Skipper Todd Harmsworth says grand final against Frenchville will be ‘another class game’
Gracemere Bulls charge into season decider after comprehensive win over The Glen. Read how the semi-final played out here.
Rockhampton
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Spinner Adam Van Bael starred for Gracemere as they booked their place in the A-grade cricket grand final in emphatic fashion.
The Bulls charged into the season decider against arch-rivals and reigning champions Frenchville after beating the Glen in Saturday’s semi-final at the Rockhampton Cricket Grounds.
Batting first, Gracemere posted an impressive 6/245 from their 40 overs.
Luke Johnstone top-scored with 58, combining in a solid partnership with skipper Todd Harmsworth who made 42 from just 28 balls, his innings including five fours and one six.
Steve Munchow added a quick-fire 25 from 16 balls in the final overs to help bolster the total.
In reply, The Glen got off to a flying start. They were 0/60 before they lost three wickets in the space of six runs as the momentum turning in Gracemere’s favour.
Van Bael finished with 4-27 off seven overs, while Justin Peacock and Lachlan Ferry bagged two apiece as The Glen were dismissed for 158 in the 32nd over.
Opener Zane Robertson was the best with the bat, top-scoring with 45, while Waqar Yunus made 31.
Harmsworth praised his bowling attack, in particular Van Bael.
“They (The Glen) got off to a flying start and I was a bit nervous early but we got those three wickets for just a few runs which helped swing things our way,” he said.
“The game could have gotten away from us but our bowlers stood tall.
“Adam has been outstanding this year. He’s definitely the pick of my bowlers and I believe he’s the pick of the spinners in the comp.”
Harmsworth said the grand final promised to be another close and exciting encounter.
He said Frenchville’s dangermen included all-rounder Joe McGahan and Lachlan Hartley, the competition’s highest run scorer who has a batting average of 60.
“I’m just expecting another class game,” Harmsworth said.
“Early wickets will be key for us.
“I’ll need everyone to perform, just as they did yesterday against The Glen.”
The grand final will be played from 10am Saturday at the Rockhampton Cricket Grounds.
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