Divs four and five in for big semi final week

by Samuel Laffy
It's semi final week in the WDCA, and here's everything you need to know for the blockbuster clashes in divisions four and five.
Division 4
Garfield-Tynong vs. Hallora
Having been two of the more in-form sides in the early part of the season and having faced off in the one-day final, Garfield-Tynong and Hallora find themselves in the position of playing off for a grand final spot rather than competing for the flag.
Late losses for the Kangaroos saw them consigned to fourth spot on the ladder, but despite this they would hold high hopes of overcoming the Titans in their sudden-death decider.
On paper it's a showdown between the relentless consistency of Garfield-Tynong, and the game-changing ability of several members with the willow of the Halloran squad, and the semi final is sure to be a close encounter.
For Garfield-Tynong, Phill Young (245 runs and 17 wickets), Darren Van den Berghe (191 runs and 18 scalps), and Matthew Trofa (202 runs and 12 wickets) provide all-round skill, whilst Jack Salan - coming off an unbeaten century - offers quality support with the bat.
For Hallora, the opening combination of Rafferty Visser (who's struck 263 runs at 52.60) and Michael Buzasi (with 224 runs at 37.33) are vital to their hopes, whilst with the ball they have a number of wicket-taking threats.
Garfield-Tynong and Hallora are scheduled to play at Drouin Recreation Reserve.
Western Park vs. Ellinbank
Western Park's barnstorming run of form with the bat in the later part of the season saw them spring into second place on the ladder and, following their 54-run round 14 victory, face off again against Ellinbank in semi final action this weekend.
Both sides showed an open hand on Saturday so there will be no surprises waiting in the ranks, which many would point to an advantage for Western Park.
However, with a batting line-up containing the experience of Michael Masterson (264 runs at 29.33), and the hard-hitting ability of Matthew Murphy (282 runs at 47) the Bankers would hold no fears of posting a winning total.
For Western Park though, Marc Fleming (400 runs at 44.44), Danny Hall (168 runs at 56), and Jon Neilson (211 runs at 42.20) are of equal calibre with the bat, and this weekend's showdown could very well come down to which side holds onto the rare half-chance offered by the opposition.
Western Park and Ellinbank are scheduled to play at Findex Oval (Western Park).
Division 5
Yarragon vs. Buln
In one of the more intriguing lower-grade match-ups in the WDCA, Yarragon are taking on Buln in what shapes up to be a compelling encounter.
The Lyrebirds boast the higher-grade experience of Sam Reid and Ricky McKerrow, alongside a host of talented youngsters, and have produced a number of sparkling displays in the lead up to finals.
Yarragon on the other hand enter the finals boasting a number of options with bat and ball. Joshua Butterworth-Smith (12 wickets at 13.33) has been crucial with the ball, whilst Daniel Haddad's efforts with the bat (192 runs at 38.40) have been vital.
The semi-final clash is likely to come down to which experienced players can support their sides, and it will surely be a close encounter.
Jindivick-Garfield-Tynong vs. Western Park
Having suffered a shock loss to the Warriors in the final round of the season, Jindivick-Garfield-Tynong would be slightly nervous about taking on the same opponents in a semi final showdown after going through the home-and-away season largely unbothered.
However, the Warriors proved to be a troublesome opponent and will take some confidence from the fact that several of their key bats - including James Campbell and Rich Kelly - were dismissed cheaply on the weekend.
As tends to be the case in lower-grade cricket this match-up will surely rely on whichever bowling attack can consistently attack the stumps and provide fewer boundary-hitting options - a feat which Jindivick-Garfield-Tynong would surely be confident of completing.
Jindivick-Garfield-Tynong are scheduled to play Western Park at Tynong Recreation Reserve.