Thornton book finals spot as Kurri Weston are back in the hunt

The Thunder secured their spot with victory against Western Suburbs and Kurri Weston’s defeat of City United.

The race for the minor premiership is still open with Northern Suburbs crushing Raymond Terrace by nine wickets after dismissing them for just 71 at Jack Collins Oval.

Kurri Weston’s return to form over the past two round with wins against Norths and City has opened the way for Eastern Suburbs to win a semi-final spot as well.

“There are four teams now battling for the final spot in the finals and three teams secure. You can’t ask for a better end to the season than that,” Kurri Weston wicket keeper Tyler Power said after his side’s 15-run win at Kurri Central

It was all the more special with the club hosting the Kurri Weston Old Boys Day with a big roll-out of former players including 93-year-old Bert Stoddart who played with the club in the 1950s.

The Warriors were 2-2 early and managed to post 169 before being dismissed in the 43^rd over. Power made 36, Simon Marshall 46, Casey Capper 37 and Steve Abel a valuable 19 coming in at No.9. 

Spinner Michael Heinrich, returning to his old stomping ground, was the best of the City bowlers taking 4-27. Tim picked up 3-25 and Nick Bower 2-40.

Heinrich completed a fine game making 31, with Jordan Burton top scoring with 42 as City were dismissed for 154.

Steve Abel finished with the outstanding figures of 3-12 from 10 overs, Alex Seamer took 3-32 and Josh Tuckwell picked up the last two wickets to seal victory.

“It was great to see Heiney have a great game with the bat and ball. They probably contributed to their own downfall averaging just two runs an over in the middle section of the game.

“Steve picked up three wickets and Alex Seamer continued his really good year with another three wickets as well.

“Sam Dalibozek was probably the unlucky one as he bowled really well again and was tight but only got the one wicket.

“A fine captain’s effort by Tuck at the end to get the last two wickets, but he wasn’t supposed to be bowling. We got our count wrong and young Jack Sylvester who was set to come on had bowled his quota for the day as a junior.”

Thornton secured their spot in the finals on the back of a fine bowling performance dismissing Western Suburbs for 95. Brent Dawes led the way with four wickets.

Thornton were bottom of the ladder after six rounds, but have won five of their next six games including a narrow loss to Raymond Terrace after being in control.

The minor premiership is still up for grabs, but the psychological advantage is definitely in Northern Suburbs’ camp after thrashing Raymond Terrace on Saturday.

Raymond Terrace, playing in front of their Old Bay, had the chance to cement the minor premiership with a win, but instead were routed for just 71.

Skipper Steve Smith in the top seven to reach double figures making 13 as the homeside slumped to 6-30. Tail enders Mitchell Pinch 15, Cameron Bates 10 and Will Maher nine not out to add some respectability to the score.

Norths had little trouble to reach their target losing just wicket in reaching their target in the 21st over.

Terrace can still claim the minor premiership with victory against City United at Jack Collins Oval in next week’s final round.

However, it’s a must win game as well for City United if they are any chance of making the semi-finals and defending their 2016-17 premiership.