ALL TO PLAY FOR IN FTGDCA FINAL ROUND FLING
Only 1 point separates all finals positions following Round 11 results, with just one match remaining.
Upwey lead the pack thanks to their win against The Basin in the Top-of-the-table matchup. Set 228 to knock off the Tigers, Cameron Wheeler (5/67) was at his destructive best with yet another 5-wicket haul. For the Basin, Blake Walter and Scott Vozzo both lead the way with 35 each for the second-placed Bears as they reached 174 before dismissal.
Knoxfield maintained the pressure on the leading pack with a solid victory against Johnson Park. Ben Stallworthy (51) and Steve Devenish (39) made inroads on the Shark scoreboard, however Josh Lindner claiming 4/56 saw the Knights keep the Sharks to 170.
Ferntree Gully hold the last of the finals positions following their victory against Mountain Gate. Pat Mastertoun (4/31) and Tim Parker (3/44) were the key culprits in the bowling attack that restricted the Gators to 165. Dale Kline providing the Gators with a workhorse innings of 79.
Upper Ferntree Gully ensured they can still make finals following victory against Belgrave. Set 159, the Magpies gave chase with Jonathon Levell (37) and Aaron Brunner (34) providing support. However Rob Birnie (6/57) and Jay Colee (3/28) saw to it that the Kings would prevail in a narrow win, dismissing the Magpies for 142.
Knox Garden’s victory against Eildon Park ensures they are the last mathematical chance for finals. A captain’s knock from Jarrod Butcher with 57 lead the way, Scott McInerney (44*), Niraj DeSilva (43) and Joshua Gregory (38) all logging support as the Falcons reached 6/247 against the Panthers.
Heading into the final round, Upwey lead on 46 points, with The Basin, Knoxfield and Ferntree Gully rounding out the top 4 all on 45 points. Upper Ferntree Gully are knocking on the door with 42 points, whilst Knox Gardens are on the bubble with 39 points. The Tigers host Eildon Park, Ferntree Gully travel to Belgrave, whilst The Basin and Knox Gardens play off in what could potentially be a knock-out final. Knoxfield host Mountain Gate whilst Upper Ferntree Gully are in control of their destiny against Johnson Park.
In DeCoite Shield, FTG Footballers saw off a challenge from South Belgrave, dismissing for 205 in response to the Griffins’ 243. Daniel Cormack lead the way with 65, with Darren Ray posting a handy 46. For the Griffins, Dale Cranston (3/48) was the pick of the bowlers for the ladder-leaders.
Lysterfield’s early declaration last week failed in securing maximum points against Knoxfield. With first-innings points secure, the Beavers bowled at Knoxfield all afternoon, with Brad Paull (3/18) leading the charge. James Petrovski (49) put up stark resistance for the Knights, who finished their day at 5/131.
Rowville closed the gap to second place against Monbulk, dismissing the Hawks for 84. Darren Hill starred with the ball, claiming 4/24. Rowville now draw level on points with Monbulk, placing them with the best chance possible for a second-chance finals appearance.
Olinda held on for a narrow win against St Johns Tecoma. Set 200, the Saints were in good position with Aaron Grenda (65) and Daniel Pearce (49) scoring the bulk of the target. However Peter Dean (3/45) ensured the Saints would fall just short, dismissed for 192.
With 5 teams fighting for 4 places ahead of the final round, it’s Ferntree Gully Footballers leading on 60 points, well clear from Monbulk and Rowville on 48 each. Lysterfield hold 4th spot on 39 points, with South Belgrave (33pts) the only team who could match them with results going their way.
Rowville host Lysterfield in a crunch match for both teams, whilst South will place their bets against St Johns Tecoma. Ferntree Gully Footballers host Olinda to close their seasons, whilst Monbulk will be looking for a securing win against Knoxfield up the hill.
