Harrismith and Cuballing to meet in UGSCA B-grade preliminary final, Dumbleyung secure first spot in decider

Dumbleyung were the first team into the B-grade grand final in the Upper Great Southern Cricket Association after a big finals victory on Saturday.

In the second semifinal, Dumbleyung were comprehensive eight-wicket winners over Harrismith at Nenke Oval, easily chasing down the target.

Several Harrismith batters made starts after they won the toss and batted first, but they could manage only 7-105 from their 40 overs.

Skipper Rohan Bilney top-scored with 24 and was well supported by Adam Gray (22no) and Dane Angwin (20) but the Dumbleyung bowlers were on top throughout.

Opener David Head bowled seven overs and returned 1-7 in a terrific display while Byron Blevin (2-12 from six overs) and James Hesse (2-18 from seven) were vital in keeping the target under 120.

Andrew May fell for a fourth ball duck in the run chase but Blevin and Peter Joyce shared in a 55-run stand that got the home side within reach of victory.

Jamie Miller removed Joyce on 15 but John Allanson (10no) helped get Dumbleyung home, playing a cameo to the big hitting Blevin who blasted an unbeaten 77 from 66 balls.

Blevin hit six fours as his side reached the target in 21 overs to progress directly into the grand final.

Cuballing defeated Wickepin in the elimination first semifinal to keep their season alive.

Cuballing were bowled out for 94 batting first as Nick Miller top-scored with 27 however in reply, Wickepin were skittled for 85 and were eliminated from the premiership race despite some late hitting from Martin McLean (15no) and Michael Green (26).

Miller snared 3-30 from six overs and Stephen Conlan was also superb with 3-10 from eight overs.

Harrismith will now host Cuballing in the preliminary final on Saturday, the winner progressing to face Dumbleyung in the decider on March 18.