The result was an important turnaround for the Pigeons, who themselves had crumbled badly in a 40-over-a-side showdown against Noradjuha-Toolondo the day before.
The result also came as a blow to the Tigers, who had come off second best against Rupanyup-Minyip, albeit in a much closer match.
The wash-up from the weekend’s action is that Rupanyup-Minyip is back in the four by percentage and Jung Tigers are outside the finals equation with two home-and-away games remaining.
The Tigers are sure to be out for some redemption on Saturday, but will need to find more runs and, critically wickets, in a hurry.
Making the T20 final probably represented more of a bonus than an aim for the underdog Tigers who have eyes for a bigger prize.
Despite a 50 from Callum Maybery and runs to Brett Jensz, 30, Angus Adams, 28, and others, the team could not defend 173 against the Blue Panthers, capturing only two wickets.
Rupanyup-Minyip showed off its arsenal of top-order batsmen with Jamie Byrne, 64 not out, Bailey Young, 59, and a returning Mark Mbofana an unbeaten 37, during the chase.
Homers turned disaster into success at the weekend, but will still need some degree of self-examination after collapsing to Noradjuha-Toolondo’s reputable attack.
Only Nathan Koenig, 30, and Craig Britten made it into double figures for the Pigeons, who made only 71 against the Bullants.
Homers, a high-quality fielding side, probably did the best they could and had the Bullants six wickets down when their opponents passed the score.
There is obviously plenty of intrigue surrounding games this weekend and Rupanyup-
Minyip will be out to cement its freshly won spot in the four against West Wimmera.
The contest at Minyip should be a ripping game, with the Blue Panthers finding timely winning form and West Wimmera fresh from a monster win over Horsham Saints.
West Wimmera goes into the contest after making 7-198 against the Saints, courtesy of good knocks of 85 and 48 from Nathan Alexander and Mitch Dahlenburg respectively, who shared a 139-run opening stand. Luke Smith also chimed in with 28 down the list.
The Westerners then conspired to take it in turns to capture Saints wickets, rattling through the home side for 78.
Austin Smith collected 3-7 and Xavier Bone 3-3.
Horsham Saints, who had Karl Goodwin get some welcome runs with 36, now face the daunting task of fronting up against Noradjuha-Toolondo at Horsham City on Saturday.
Results –
This week: One-day games, Homers v Jung Tigers at Sunnyside, Rupanyup-Minyip v West Wimmera at Minyip, Noradjuha-Toolondo v Horsham Saints at Horsham City Oval.
Last week: One-day games, Rupanyup-Minyip 2-179 (J. Byrne 64no, B. Young 59, M. Mbofana 37no) d Jung Tigers 6-133 (C. Maybery 50, B. Jensz 30, A. Adams 28, B. Hallam 22, T. Puls 22; L. Wiedemann 3-22), Noradjuha-Toolondo 6-73 (J. Combe 32; C. Britten 3-27, S. Hopper 3-13) d Homers 71 (N. Koenig 30, C. Britten 20; M. Combe 3-15), West Wimmera 7-198 (N. Alexander 85, M. Dahlenburg 48, L. Smith 28) d Horsham Saints 78 (K. Goodwin 36no; A. Smith 3-7, X. Bone 3-3).
T20 grand finals: A Grade, Homers 0-70 (A. Atwood 40no, P. Mills 25no) d Jung Tigers 69 (D. Puls 26); B Grade, Laharum 2-81 (D. Griffiths 36no, D. Bunworth 25no) d Lubeck-Murtoa 80; C Grade, Quantong 9-147 (P. Brand 31, T. Brand 30; J. Newell 4-14) d Colts 141 (D. Arnott 47no; B. McQueen 3-27).
Ladder: A Grade, Noradjuha-Toolondo 57 points, 1.11 percent; Homers 48, 1.47; West Wimmera 45, 1.30; Rupanyup-Minyip 39, 1.09; Jung Tigers 39, 0.91; Horsham Saints 6, 0.42.
The entire February 24, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire February 24, 2021 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!