Mount Lofty are through to their third Grand Final in four years after defeating Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) by eight wickets in the Qualifying Final at Heathfield Oval yesterday. SCIB skipper Adam Shearwood won the toss and decided to bat first as he and Andy Adams (20) opened up with a 62-run stand before Shearwood departed for 36 (69 balls). Aaron Thompson (36) and Daniel Desengo (45 not out) then put on 52 runs for the fourth wicket as SCIB reached a solid position at 3/130. Mount Lofty continued to bowl tightly as they restricted the visitors to 6/167 after their 45 overs. Adam Carthew (2/27) and Peter Giannes (2/53) were the multiple wicket takers for the Redcaps. Josh Healey (23) and Nick Justice got the home side off to a fast start with an opening stand of 37, but when skipper Jordan Neis-Beer (1) went cheaply, Mount Lofty were in a bit of trouble at 2/38. Carthew joined Justice at the crease and this pair set about the run chase in impressive fashion as they added 131 runs for the third wicket to get their side over the line in the 34th over. Justice top scored with 85 not out from 97 balls (9 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s), while Carthew completed a fine all-round game with 50 not out (89 balls). Ben McGowan (1/24) and Beau Thomas (1/28) were the wicket takers for Scott Creek Ironbank.

A Jack Read century has inspired reigning premier Stirling to a comprehensive 158-run against Mylor in their Elimination Final at Stirling yesterday. Read smashed 156 from just 118 balls with eight boundaries and a whopping 10 sixes! Jack Pick (50), Charlie Fryer (47) and Harrison Webb (27) continued the carnage as the Eagles piled on 7/333 from their 45 overs. Jesse Cooper (5/47) was the standout bowler for Mylor. The Pipers were never really in the run chase as they were bowled out in the 35th over for 175. Tom Plant (54), Alex Kern (34) and Todd Dellatorre (20) were the leading run scorers for Mylor, while Read (3/39), Chris Shaw (2/23) and Pick (2/45) were the multiple wicket takers for Stirling. 

Preliminary Final (16/3/24)

Scott Creek Ironbank v Stirling (Cherry Gardens Oval)