The team to play the Mount Isa cricket grand final against red-hot Black Stars this weekend was decided when Western Bulls came up against the in-form Panthers on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Panthers took away the win to play in the grand final which will be held at Sunset Oval on Saturday morning in what is a replay of last year's grand final.
Panthers surprised Black Stars in that game and will be hoping for a repeat this Saturday after beating the Bulls.
Western Bulls wicketkeeper-batsman Nick Donker said they suffered a batting collapse for the second straight week.
That was despite a half century from Donker himself, who inspired some batters down the line, before being dismissed by what he describes as the "catch of the year' by Michael Pritchard
"Pritchard dived metres, horizontally to his right, to take the ball in his finger tips," Donker said.
Nick Diamond was the second highest scoring batsmen for the Bulls with 32 not out.
The Panthers applied consistent bowling pressure and took wickets restricting their opponents to a below par total of 147 runs.
In the second innings the Bulls started strongly, taking early wickets.
Donker said this gave them a glimmer of hope, however chances in the field went begging.
"The Panthers captain Matthew Birchley batted himself down the order, likely due to his lack of match fitness and fitness in general," he said.
"In the end he was not required due to strong batting performances from N.Bowd who reached 45 not out and D.Morrison who scored 42 not out."
Black Stars captain Cameron Conlan said his team is feeling confident to take the grand final win this year after losing to Panthers in the 2018 competition.
"Our team is a lot more balanced and our game plan is centred around bowling smart at their key batsmen," Conlan said.
"They have the best batsman in the competition in Archie McPherson."
"Along with a couple of dangerous guys, one of which is Dom Clarke."
Conlan said if they take their catches and bowl smart they're in with a good chance.
While you are here, subscribe to our weekly email delivered to your inbox at 6am every Friday.