By Matt Zell

Gidgee have marched into the grand final of the Bendigo Bank ABC Shield courtesy of a nail biting 1 wicket victory over Breelong at Gulargambone on Saturday.

Winning the toss & electing to bat, Breelong laboured hard in very difficult scoring conditions to post 94. Matt Everett lead the way with 51 but didn’t find much support outside of Ike Morris (10).

ABOVE: Breelong's Matt Everett opening the batting for the Gilgandra side over the weekend. Photo: Brendan O'Connor.

Peter Peters spearheaded the Gidgee attack claiming 4/16. He was well supported by Aaron Page (3/13) & Jarrod Page (2/24).

Gidgee then got off to a flyer & found themselves 0/19 off 2 overs before wickets started to fall in steady succession & at 9/70 at the final drinks break it appeared as though Breelong would be booking their ticket to the Grand Final.

Skipper Tyne Chapman clearly did not read the script & it a magnificent display of batsmanship he was able to get his team home with a patient knock of 32*.

Braiden O’Brien batting at 11 also did a magnificent job to remain 7 not out. Mark Stewart (20) & Mitch Nalder (17) were the other batsmen to make positive contributions.

For Breelong, Lachie Briggs, John Alchin, Henry Johnson & Matt Zell all took 2 wickets & Liam Zell a direct hit runout.

ABOVE: Gidgee skipper Tyne Chapman put a solid bowling effort down as the reason for the team's close victory. Pictured is Elvy McEwen ready to put a fast one down the pitch. Photo: Brendan O'Connor.

Town Services too good in minor semi-final

Town Services have recorded a 34 run victory in a low scoring contest & McGrane Oval on Saturday to advance into the final.

Batting 1st Town Services were in trouble early with run scoring machine Ash Hazelton out 2nd ball of the day for a very rare failure. Brank Hammond & Jason Carter steadied the ship with a 26 run partnership before Carter was dismissed for 14.

The mercurial Kieren Hazelton then strode to the crease & made 19 before succumbing to a straight one. Town then lost Danial Riley (0) & Brank Hammond (22) in quick succession to slump to 5/69.

A few lofty blows from Adam Hazelton put some respectability into the score but another 4 quick wickets followed by a crucial 14 run last wicket partnership saw Town post 103 off 37.3 overs.

Osca Brooker was the pick of the bowlers taking 4/12, next best being Nick Willoughby with 2.

Coonabarabran appeared to be cruising at 0/38, the introduction of Danial Riley & Brank Hammond into the attack changed the game as the pair wreaked havoc on the Coonabarabran batting line up taking 5 & 4 wickets respectively to play the visitors out of the match.

Riley finished with 5/22 & Hammond 4/10 including 6 maidens to have Coonabarabran all out for 69. Nick Willoughby top scored with 35 & was well supported by Caine Thompson who made 14.

Gidgee now have the week off & await the winner of this week’s Final between Breelong & Town Services.

ABOVE: Breelong's Matt Zell bowling on Saturday watched by umpire David Lowe. Photo: Brendan O'Connor.

In the Ossie Carrett cup Curban & Eumungerie had a washout of Sunday with Curban progressing to the Grand Final this weekend being the higher ranked team & Baradine are through are a disappointing forfeit from Biddon-Tooraweenah.

Good luck to all teams involved this weekend & I look forward to providing you all with a further update next week.