Wanderers produce great escape to tie major semi

OPENING batsman Brett Emmanuel showed his more experienced teammates how it’s done in Wanderers’ great escape in the LCCA major semi-final against Iluka.

SO CLOSE: Brett O’Connor took 3 for 18 for Wanderers against Iluka in a match dominated by the bowlers on both sides at Barry Watts Oval in Maclean. PHOTO: DEBRAH NOVAK. Picture: Debrah Novak

OPENING batsman Brett Emmanuel showed his more experienced teammates how it's done in Wanderers' great escape in the LCCA major semi-final against Iluka on Saturday.

In finals cricket often low totals are the hardest to chase but at 4 for 68 at drinks Iluka's 88 seemed very manageable.

Dean Bartlett (2 for 12 off 5) and Corey Kempshall (4 for 23 off 7.5) had other ideas as the duo came on and almost rescued Iluka from the breach. Before long, Adrian Boyd's (3) needless run out brought his father and last batsman Geoff Boyd (1n.o.) to the crease still five runs short.

Having watched the carnage from the other end, Emmanuel (36) saw out the innings until the scores were level but then Kempshall rattled his stumps for a dramatic tie. As the minor premiers, Wanderers progress to the grand final. Iluka now has to overcome Yamba in Saturday's preliminary semi-final.

"Full credit to Iluka who came out after drinks and put our lower order under pressure," Wanderers captain Andrew McLachlan said.

"We managed to squeak it in. Brett Emmanuel is a good young kid. He times the ball well and has found his niche as an opener."

Earlier Iluka opener Matt Farrell (43) stood up to the hostile attack as Brett O'Connor (3 for 18 off 7.1) and Adrian Boyd (5 for 14 off 7) ripped the innings apart.

In reply, McLachlan (3), Brandon Honeybrook (2) and Mitch Grivens (1) all went cheaply before the two Bretts - Emmanuel and O'Conner (22) - steadied the ship.

"That game's over for us and now we've got to look ahead to Yamba," Iluka captain Greg Speirs said.

"Our bowling and fielding has been our strength all year and we showed on Saturday what we're capable of. We broke through their big names. We'd like another chance at Wanderers but we've got to worry about Yamba first."

McLachlan said Iluka would be a deserving opponent in the grand final.

"I'd love to play Iluka again in two weeks' time," he said.

"We've had a good year against them. There's been a bit of animosity but the game on Saturday was outstanding. We all had a beer together afterwards."

Originally published as Wanderers produce great escape to tie major semi