Cricket Southern Bayside 2020-21: Mordialloc to meet Mentone in Division 1 flag decider

Twelve months after being relegated, Mordialloc is through to the Cricket Southern Bayside Division 1 grand final courtesy of preliminary final wash-out.

Mordialloc batsman Liam Bence on his way to a defiant 24 not out as Dingley keeper Mark Fitch looks on. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mordialloc coach David Sime says his side needs to lift if it’s to beat Mentone in next weekend’s CSB Division 1 grand final.

The Bloodhounds were on the ropes at 9-82 off 31 overs against Dingley in the preliminary final on Saturday before rain arrived to wash out play.

It meant minor premiers Mordialloc, courtesy of its higher place finish on the ladder, went through to the grand final.

“We had a bad day yesterday,” Sime said on Sunday morning.

“We’ve had a couple of bad weeks.

“But we’re still there. We’ll work on it this week to try and get it right.”

Dingley opening bowler Jay Jhamb goes at Mordialloc. He took 2-20.

Sime said Dingley’s slow bowlers troubled his side’s batsmen on Saturday.

Mordialloc slumped to 6-33 before captain Damith Mapa Ralalage (15) and No.8 Liam Bence (24no) showed resistance.

There were five ducks in the Bloodhounds’ innings.

“They (Dingley) didn’t have a lot of pace in their bowlers,” Sime said.

“And we were pushing at it and getting caught and bowled, nicking them...”

Sime added: “We did dodge a bullet, no doubt about that. Just bad batting. Impatient batting.’’

Dingley will consider itself unlucky not to be playing off for a premiership. Rain washed away their hopes.

Dingley captain Damien Jordan nabbed four wickets. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Covers went down after rain stopped play. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Dingoes skipper Damien Jordan bowled beautifully on Saturday, taking 4-20 off 8 overs, and Bevin Corneille also impressed with 3-19 off 8.

Mentone beat Mordialloc in last week’s semi-final and Sime said the Bloodhounds will need to add a sharp edge to their game style in the flag decider.

“We’ll try and get them going and finish hard,” Sime said.

“Mentone are not a bad side, lot more experienced that what my guys are, but that’s all right, anything can happen.

“They give us a touch up last time. They’re cocky, up and about. So I’ve to get my guys to not take any s... off them.

“That’s the way I roll, mate, don’t worry, I’m all over it.

“I’ll sort them out this week, get them on their toes and get up them.”

Mordialloc was relegated from Championship Division a year ago but has enjoyed a splendid season, highlighted by six straight wins before finals.

The Bloodhounds’ seconds, skippered by Leon Kennedy, will also play-off in a grand final.

The seconds will host Bentleigh.