A tie? … no, it’s Warburton by three

By Keith Thomas, secretary YVCA
THE semi-finals of the Yarra Valley Cricket Association Veterans held on Sunday saw two excellent games and a hint of drama.
Warburton played host to Coldstream and Wandin hosted Yarra Junction.
In a close encounter at Warburton, the home side batted first and were dismissed for 118.
After tea, Coldstream went to the crease with confidence that they could reach this target.
In a game of swinging fortunes and tension right through the innings, it was considered in the initial tension of the moment that when the last wicket fell, the match was tied.
After a controlling re-check of the scores, it was agreed that Warburton had won by three runs. What a wonderful game!
In the match at Wandin, the home side batted first and reached 214 at the completion of the 36 over innings.
Yarra Junction had to bat after tea with a few injured players due to over exuberance, while fielding started well and continued the chase to the very end. Eventually, however, they fell some 30 runs short.
Wandin captain John King was very pleased with his side’s win, so much so he commenced one of his legendary jokes immediately after stumps were drawn.
The Veterans’ final will be played at Wandin this Sunday, 26 February, starting at 1pm between Wandin and Warburton.
Umpiring legend ‘Ossie’ Garner will control the match.