YOBS claim A-grade T20 grand final win

Yallingup Oddbods (YOBS) have taken the honours in the Busselton Margaret River Cricket Association A-grade T20 grand final, defeating Dunsborough by 27 runs on Saturday.

Other winners on the day were Vasse (B-grade) and Augusta (C-grade) in front of a huge crowd at Barnard Park in an event dubbed “the festival of cricket”.

YOBS captain Ben Payne said he stuck to the plan after winning the toss and batting first.

“We wanted to get some runs on the board early and put the pressure on them to chase,” he said.

“We were able to do that with a good opening partnership which was very important and then took a few early wickets when they were in.”

Haig Colombera pitched in with a handy 30 for YOBS to post 6-135 off 20 overs. Opening bowlers Matty Braid and Neil Langenhoven tightened the screws, and when Matthew Jamieson was out for a duck off Langenhoven, trapped lbw, Dunsborough were in trouble at 3-26.

Dunsborough couldn’t get any momentum going in their chase and managed only 9-108 in reply.

YOBS opener Ben Clarke was named man-of-the-match for his outstanding 53.

YOBS celebrated their victory at sponsor Darleen’s in Busselton with B-grade winners Vasse.

It has been a remarkable turnaround for the Vasse club since almost not fielding a team at the beginning of the year, with new president Deb Hallyburton and captain Shane Bromilow able to marshal the troops.

“Everyone has pulled together and we’ve been able to achieve some success,” Bromilow said.

“Miles Darragh was exceptional with 46 runs.

“He got us across the line.

“It’s great grounding for everyone at the club.

“We’re second on the ladder in the 45-over competition and that’s the one we’re after.”

Sam Shepherd was named man-of-the-match, making 39 and taking an important wicket.

YOBS will be keen to maintain their spot atop the 50-over competition when they take on Margaret River Hawks, while Vasse will play the Dunsborough club looking to make amends after losing all three grand finals.