By Nick Creely
Buckley Ridges fell short in the Regional Big Bash final against Mt Clear on Tuesday morning, with the Bucks unable to claim the title despite an otherwise sublime tournament.
With the Bucks having a crack at their first title (after two failed attempts), they entered the clash against the Ballarat CA side full of confidence that if they played the style of cricket that has held them in good stead this season, they could ruffle a few feathers.
Mounties skipper Darcy Thompson won the toss and elected to bat, in a toss that proved vital on a ground such as the ‘G, which is harder to chase on.
After a solid start with the ball, dangerous opener Steven Nicholson (13) was removed through a run out by Daniel ‘DJ’ Watson.
Nathan Yates (35) and Sam Giblett (42) combined superbly, as the runs and boundaries began to flow to both sides of the ground.
The pair swiftly put on 59 runs to potentially set the Mounties up for a monster total, before a double strike through gun quick Jurgen Andersen (3/17) and spinner Matt Goodwright (1/27) pegged them back to 3/94.
The Bucks fought back superbly, drying up the runs and forcing the Mounties into errant shots, with Andersen in particular making the most of the conditions.
Eventually, the Bucks strode off the ground in a great position, restricting the opposition to a gettable 7/128.
DJ (23) got the Bucks off to an absolute flyer, with five boundaries; including a ripping whip off his pads that almost carried over the rope; off his first ten deliveries.
But the untimely wicket of Watson; courtesy of Thompson (3/21); put a dent in the Bucks’ top, and with the next ball dismissal of Greg Todd, who had his wickets castled, they were on the back foot at 3/32.
Despite some fight by skipper Troy Aust (16 off 22 balls), the Bucks were overpowered, bowled out in the 17th over for just 81.
