Thomas Shields

The Union Cricket Club Senior team had another big win, this time against Valley at King George Park, to set itself up as favourites for the Dick Hunt Final this coming weekend

After losing the toss and being forced to bat, the home team was in trouble with the score at 3-7 after three over's. Thomas Shields and Todd Sidon then started to steady the ship, and then put Union in a strong position combining for a 103 run partnership before the loss of Sidon for 59. Sidon making his first Senior half-century. With the loss of Shields for 60, his personal best in the senior grade, Union was 158-5 in the 34th over. The Union tail looked to attack, with captain Paul Johnston, continuing his fine batting form in the past few games, moving his total to 55 including 8 boundaries, before being caught and bowled by N McLachlan. Tail ender Daniel Conlan made a handy contribution with the bat scoring 18 not out as Union made 244, all out in the 49th over.

Valley where right with the run rate through their innings but with the constant loss of wickets the required partnerships never formulated to challenge the Union total. The only substantial partnership was between McLachlan and Suddaby, combining for 61 runs for the 8th wicket, but with the loss of McLachlan for a hard hit 42, Valley lost its last three wickets for the addition of only 2 runs. Paul Johnston backing up his half century with the bat was the best of the bowlers taking 4-16, while Dan Conlan took 3-25. Grant McMillan was the other bowler to take two wickets or more with 2-25, taking two the last two wickets in four balls.

Union will now play Albion in the Dick Hunt Final this coming weekend at King George Park. The Senior team have made an astonishing 10 appearances in the Dick Hunt final since 1998. They will be hoping to make it 6 wins in 11 games.

Player Pages:
Daniel Conlan | Paul Johnston | Grant McMillian | Thomas Shields | Todd Sidon |

Union 244 ( T Shields 60, T Sidon 59, P Johnston 55, D Conlan 20no, McKenzie 4-48, Suddaby 2-27, McLachan 2-48, McKay 2-61 )
Valley 143 ( N McLachlan 42, M Pile 31, D Suddaby 18no, N Webster 14, Johnston 4-16, D Conlan 3-25, McMillian 2-25 )
Union won by 99 runs
Full scorecard for the match