B Grade - Division 2

Foster vs Koonwarra Leongatha RSL at Foster Cricket Ground

Day One: Foster 10/198 (63.2) Koonwarra Leongatha RSL 2/13 (7)

Day Two: Koonwarra Leongatha RSL 10/80 (34.4)

Foster could find themselves on Cloud 9 after their eighth consecutive victory put them into this year’s Grand Final. On a pitch that has been getting trickier as the season has worn on, Koonwarra Leongatha RSL won the toss and decided to bowl, before Foster posted a very defendable 198 on the back of a brilliant 91 from 141 balls by Neil Henry. The Koonwarra Leongatha RSL bowlers were troublesome all day and made scoring difficult, but Henry had fantastic support from Billy Davy (17 off 75) and Tim Garvey (16* off 62) to hold down an end for long periods and push the score along with solid partnerships. Louis Read (2/44) and Britney Thomas (3/28) were a constant threat, but they struggled to break the Foster partnerships, before Capmbell Riseley (4/26) was thrown the ball late and finished up the innings. Much as they have done for the back half of the season, the spin pairing of Jack Gay (1/24) and Chris Ford (4/12) were on the mark from the outset to have the visitors 2/13 at stumps on the first day. 

Having played second fiddle for the spinners in Foster's charge up the ladder, it was the seamers turn to shine on day two, as Henry backed up his fine bowling performance to rip the heart out of the Scorpions middle order, taking 3/13 in a terrific nine over spell. There were fine catches in the outfield and with the door to the lower order ajar, Shaun Chaseling (2/21) kicked it right down, allowing Chris Ford (4/12) to mop up the tail. KLR had started the day brightly enough, as Nick Arnup (21 off 52) and Louis Read (9 off 32), showed that they were willing to be patient, before Henry took the game away. 

Next week's decider will be at the Tigers’ home ground against Leongatha Town, who took down the Imperials in a commanding performance in their semifinal. Gates open at 11am, and the Foster faithful are encouraged to give their home team a roaring welcome.