Reigning premiers Tambellup into grand final after tense preliminary final win over Kendenup

Tambellup will chase a hat-trick of Great Southern Cricket Association premierships after victory in a tense preliminary final against Kendenup on Sunday. Their victory has booked them a ticket to another showdown with Broomehill in the grand final. Premiers of the last two seasons in the GSCA, Tambellup were forced into a preliminary final after their semifinal the previous day was washed out and Broomehill progressed as the higher ranked team. Playing at home in the preliminary final against Kendenup, Tambellup won the toss and batted with solid contributions from their top order to surpass 150. Kendenup were set 183 to win but lost 5-27 towards the end of their run chase to hand Tambellup a 20-run victory. Tambellup openers Jedd Herbert and Flynn Cristinelli set up the win with a 43-run opening stand before Sebastian Ballard snared the first wicket. Herbert reached 50 before he was the first of three batters to fall to Clinton Gilbert as Kendenup fought back with the ball. Clinton Gilbert then bowled Devon Cristinelli and Michael Long for ducks to leave the home side 4-106. However, a fighting knock from Connor Hawkins helped Tambellup reached 6-182 from their 45 overs. Hawkins smashed six boundaries in his 44 not out from 37 balls to help swing the game back in his team’s favour. Clinton Gilbert was terrific with 3-30, while Darcey Burcham had tidy figures of 1-29 from nine overs. Kendenup lost Jarred Beech (4) early in the chase but Scott Hillman and Burcham ensured their side were in the game. Hillman made 32 before falling to Herbert and when Burcham was run out on 24, the visitors were 3-83. Clinton Gilbert compiled a vital 42 in the middle order but the defending premiers took regular wickets on their way to victory. Daniel Willmott bowled Clinton Gilbert and then Sebastian Ballard (13) and Jack Horrocks (0) fell soon after. Matt Gilbert (13) and Ryan Ballard (11no) tried their best to get Kendenup home but Tambellup bowled them out for 162 in the 43rd over. Daniel Willmott snared 3-40 from 7.3 overs and was well supported by Nathan Willmott (1-19 from nine) and Long (2-28 from eight).