GCA3 finals: St Albans Breakwater beat Bell Park for spot in grand final

ST Albans Breakwater gun batter Mike Norris said a series of run outs against Bell Park “changed the game” after the Dragons dominated the early stages of the GCA3 qualifying final.

Cricket . GCA3 qualifying final: Bell Park v St Albans-Breakwater. St Albans-Breakwater bowler Jack Beardsell Picture: Mark Wilson

ST Albans Breakwater gun batter Mike Norris said a series of run outs against Bell Park “changed the game” after the Dragons dominated the early stages of the GCA3 qualifying final.

Bell Park won the toss and elected to bat on “an absolute road” at home, with the Dragons starting off 1-142 against the Saints.

But Norris said the club’s fortunes changed after the drinks break, with Zac Smith dismissing Shane Lymer for 67 and Ben Grinter being run out for 58.

Ben Grinter made 58 for Bell Park. Picture: Mark Wilson

“We were staring down the barrel of a big score at drinks, but the boys rallied a bit and we fielded beautifully,” he said.

“The three run outs changed the game, Zac and ‘Watto’ (Jake Watson-Searle) bowled in a great partnership, which meant we could keep our heads up and push them.

“So to take the last nine wickets for 46 runs was really pleasing, we were very confident of chasing 188 on their ground, with a really nice deck and a lightning outfield.

“I don’t think much changed, to be perfectly honest, we knew it was going to be a long day because they’re a very good batting side, we just knew if we kept pushing and stayed up in the field then chances would come.”

Once Shane Lymer was dismissed the Saints managed to break through for multiple quick wickets, with Jarrod Andrews and Luke Turner dismissed for three and one respectively.

St Albans-Breakwater bowler Blake Ritchie Picture: Mark Wilson

St Albans Breakwater then chased the total with four wickets and eight overs in hand, with Norris and coach Vihang Ahlawat opening the innings with a 57-run partnership before Smith starred with 64 off just 38 deliveries.

Norris said it was pleasing to see Smith stand up on the big stage, and the clash gave his side plenty of preparation ahead of a potential grand final rematch.

“We’ve struggled with the bat a bit to be honest, we haven’t really hit our straps this year,” he said.

“We dug in well and saw off the new ball, then Zac just showed his class and what he can do with an older ball, and took the game away from them in the blink of an eye.

“We’ve now played them three times, we know them pretty well and they know us, if they get past Thomson then it’ll be another good game between us.

Cricket . GCA3 qualifying final: Bell Park v St Albans-Breakwater.St Albans-Breakwater celebrating getting the wicket of Bell Park batsman Michael Lymer caught off Jake SpaldingPicture: Mark Wilson

“We’ll definitely back ourselves in against whoever, finals cricket is a funny game, you just need one thing to swing your way.

“The job is not done yet, there’s still one to go.”

Meanwhile, Thomson defeated Bannockburn by five wickets, chasing down the target of 133 with 16.1 overs remaining.

Seb Dew starred with the bat for Thomson, scoring 66 in the chase.

Originally published as GCA3 finals: St Albans Breakwater beat Bell Park for spot in grand final