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VSDCA: Werribee through to another grand final

Werribee is through to its fourth straight Subbies grand final but how the semi-final victory panned out was a little different to usual. Here’s why.

At the pointy end of the season, it’s usually Werribee’s stars winning the plaudits.

But this time around it’s the unsung heroes who have the Tigers roaring.

The Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association powerhouse is through to a fourth straight grand final after winning by two wickets in a thrilling semi-final against Mt Waverley.

Chasing the east club’s 2017, the big names including captain Tim O’Brien alongside Dean brothers, Sean and Matt, fell early to leave the Tigers in a hole.

In the end it was the patience of Ryan Alifraco, 55 runs from 96 balls, which proved pivotal.

Adam Alifraco (29 off 117), James Freeman (32 off 64) and Jon Burton (24) also provided valuable contributions.

O’Brien said the performances of that quartet was a testament of the club’s depth.

“We’ve had some of our bigger names perform well in finals before and they were down on where they would have like to be,” he said.

“The guys who stood up for us will take a lot of confidence into the final now and those who were down will be desperate to put their best foot forward.

“To reach another grand final is great for the club, especially when it’s a two-day game which is something we haven’t had in the past couple of years.”

Awaiting the Tigers in the decider is Spotswood who finished on top of the ladder.

Remarkably, the pair haven’t met this season after their Round 1 clash was washed out.

They last faced off in February 2022.

“It’s a bit of a strange situation but we understand they’re a quality side,” O’Brien said.

“It looks like they’re a really even team with good batters and bowlers. We’re going to focus on our own cricket and look after what we can control.”

Spotswood booked its place in the decider courtesy of an 86-run win over Williamstown.

Sean Sturrock took five wickets for the Seagulls in a losing effort.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/sport/vsdca-werribee-through-to-another-grand-final/news-story/e2958c84efcd83cd3aa49051305abba1