Souths On Target To Win Place In Decider

Newcastle Herald

Friday March 4, 2005

Craig Kerry - Up the Valley

A CONFIDENT Valley Souths will be at full strength when they take on minor premiers Aberdeen for a place in the Muswellbrook cricket decider after knocking out the "best team in the finals" last week.

Denman toppled Aberdeen to move into the grand final and Valley Souths eliminated defending premiers Workers in the first week of the play-offs last Saturday.

Nathan Daniels steered Denman to victory at Harrison Oval after Cameron McIlveen and Gary Latham set up their passage to the premiership decider.

Aberdeen batted first and were all out for just 110 in 29 overs.

Experienced quick McIlveen (4-29) and Latham (3-26) led the the bowling attack.

Consistent pair Greg Parkinson (32 not out) and Dale Fittock (28) were Aberdeen's best.

In reply, Daniels (47) kept the chase on track, and Denman passed the target five wickets down in 26 overs.

Workers finished fourth but entered the finals on a five-game winning streak and fielded their best available line-up.

But Valley Souths gained revenge for their loss to Workers in last year's final after a solid team effort at Victoria Park.

Fiery paceman Jon Shaw took 4-48 and Workers were restricted to 8-161 from 45 overs.

Valley Souths, who finished the regular season in third spot, won in 30 overs for the loss of four wickets.

Paul Lanyon (47) top-scored, Steve Collins hit 39 and Shaw 38 not out.

Brad Swann was the standout in the losing team, scoring 33 and taking 3-48.

"We're pretty confident," Valley Souths captain Mick Howarth said about tomorrow's match at Harrison Oval.

© 2005 Newcastle Herald

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