Finals hopes fade

Mick Thornton was tireless for Ocean Grove with 1/29 from 15 overs. (Justin Flynn) 318282_17

Ocean Grove’s finals hopes are in tatters after a second consecutive loss to Armstrong Creek in BPCA A1 Grade on Saturday February 4.

Needing 130 for victory on day two of the round 12 clash, the Titans had to work hard, but won with five wickets and 23 overs to spare.

Two quick wickets to Taylor Harvey and some top seam bowling from Mick Thornton had the Titans at 3/27 and needing a partnership.

Then at 5/71, Ocean Grove had a sniff, but Brandon Ross made an unbeaten 36 and Daniel Maclean 22 not out to get Armstrong Creek home and up into fifth place.

To make matters worse, Jan Juc defeated Anglesea, which means Ocean Grove is highly unlikely to play finals even if it wins its last two games.

Armstrong Creek defeated Ocean Grove in B1 Grade to stay on top of the ladder.

The Grubbers can’t make finals with two games remaining.

Grace Jones was the star on day two for Armstrong Creek. The young leggie took 4/27 from 15 immaculate overs while Ravi Kiran took 3/15.

Ocean Grove won its third game for the season in B2 Grade, defeating St Leonards.

Needing an unlikely 251 for victory, the Saints were well served by Nick Kyrou (57), but Alan Bate took 3/12 to give the Grubbers the win.

A superb 105 not out from just 93 deliveries from Isaac Saunders couldn’t get the points for Ocean Grove against Drysdale in D Grade.

Saunders was the only player to reach double figures in Grove’s final total of 155 and then Mark Oliver (52 from 43 balls) and Josh Williams (47 not out from 18) made sure the Hawks took the points with some power hitting.