THE second grade cricket grand final was the closest and most hard fought match of the day with Valley No 1 getting up in the final overs to secure victory over Lidsdale Lions.
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These two sides have been the stand outs all year and it was always going to be a top game.
Valley finished minor premiers, but it was Lidsdale making it first into the grand final after their win in the major semi.
Lidsdale batted first and amassed a competitive total of all out for 154.
Barry Jackson was the star of the innings with 65, with Nathan Redding (25) and Trent Sutherland (27) the other stand outs.
Bowling for Valley, speedster Ben Newham (3-40 of five overs) stood out with Nic Kenniff (2-14 off 5.4 overs) and Daniel Sheppeard, Connor Roebuck and Ben Cooper all grabbing a wicket each.
The opening partnership by Valley’s Dan Scott (65) and Nic Kenniff (42) set the platform for the win with neither batsman offering any chances to the Lidsdale fielders.
Captain Connor Roebuck at first drop carried on the good work with 23 and with their overs running out it left Sam Williams, Daniel Sheppeard and Ben Newham to get their side home and give Valley the grand final at 3-155.
It was a tense last couple of overs with the young Lidsdale side fighting to stop every run, but in the end, the Valley batsmen held their nerve for a good win.
The Lidsdale side consisted of Blake Bender, Barry Jackson, Steve Bender, Harry Bender, Nathan Redding, Shaun McMillan, Sam Rushworth, Trent Sutherland, Mitch Redding, Jack Rainsford and Ben Beecroft.
