SHELLHARBOUR and Gerringong-Jamberoo have wrapped up the final two spots in the South Coast Cricket Association competition semi-finals after convincing wins agains The Rail and Kiama on Saturday.
With the opening day of the final round washed out, apart from a few overs in the Shellharbour-Rail game, it meant all games were played under two-day rules.
Despite this, three games still produced results after a couple of batting collapses.
Gerringong-Jamberoo went into their clash with Kiama expecting a tough battle, but once again the Cavaliers’ batting proved to be their Achilles heel, collapsing for 72, with Dean Jones (3/13) and Travis McMahon (2/11) doing the majority of the damage at Gerry Emery Oval.
In reply the home side cruised to their win, with Peter Quine remaining unbeaten on 51 as they closed at 1/91, while Kiama lost 3/76 in their second innings.
The competition’s top two sides clashed at Howard Fowles Oval, with the Lakers batted all afternoon against second placed Oak Flats in preparation for next week’s semi against Gerringong-Jamberoo.
Openers Dave Lambert (31) and the returning Tony McCabe (52) combined for a 79-run opening partnership, while Kerrod White remained unbeaten on 37 as the Lakers scored 4/163.
Joss Lynch was best of the Oak Flats attack with 3/45 off 16 overs.
Shellharbour wrapped up their semi-final spot with a convincing win over The Rail at Tom Willoughby Oval.
Resuming at 1/19, The Rail struggled from the outset to be dismissed for 82, with Andrew Warren (28 not out) the only batsman to offer much resistance.
Youngster Ken Nguyen again showed his value with 3/7 off seven overs to lead the Scorpions attack.
Brynley Richards (37 not out) led the reply as the home side recorded 4-163 at stumps.
Neither Warilla Sports nor Albion Park were able to do enough to force their way into the semi-finals in their clash at Oakleigh Park.
Batting first, the Eagles struggled against the pace of Gerard Healey (5/31) and spin of Gavin McCauley (4/16) to be dismissed for 86.
Ben Cohen led the Kookaburras reply with a polished 41 as they plundered the Eagles attack, scoring 4/97 off just 15 overs before they declared in an attempt to force an outright win. However, the Eagles held out to finish at 4/68 at stumps.