Black Stars held their nerve over the weekend to defeat the Cavaliers and will now face Bulls in the Mount Isa Cricket T20 final.
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Batting first, the Black Stars felt a few wobbles after losing openers Cullis (13) and Cameron (10) cheaply.
But those would be the only wickets lost after Bateman continued his form from last week and notched up a handy 64 not out alongside classy left-hander Nadish who made 50.
Cavaliers player Jason Wellington said Rian Van Zyl bowled tight with the ball in his four overs but was unlucky to secure a wicket (0-16).
The Black Stars finished on 163 leaving the Cavaliers needing eight runs an over to win.
Bowler Hill got the Starries off to the perfect start removing Fitz for a duck in the first over.
The pressure continued to build as the Cavs lost wickets at regular intervals with only Corey Moon standing tall making a half century.
"Corey 'The Statue' Moon's 54 was impressive with the bat against the good bowling from the Stars," Wellington said.
The Cavaliers fell short by 33 runs and will now get a weeks rest to prepare for the 40 over competition which begins on November 23.
Related News: Cavaliers and Bulls top the Mount Isa Cricket T20 table
The remaining game was for pride when the Panthers took on the Bulls in a dead rubber.
Bulls captain Callum Jones would have been questioning why he won the toss and sent in the Panthers after the score read 0-101 at drinks.
Panthers failed to capitalise on their perfect start ending their innings on 175 thanks mostly to Nick Donker (96).
Panthers captain Ben Ryan said Donker was fantastic.
"Donker has been on fire since making the switch to our club from the Bulls, he was especially happy to go big against his old club," Ryan said.
The Bulls came out hard and made the most of short-pitched bowling and dropped catches from the Panthers.
Morrisby cleared his front leg to end up with 74 and a classy Hall (47) steered the Bulls to victory with four overs remaining.
Ryan said their bowling let them down, as well as easy dropped catches.
"We're more suited to the 40 over comp, and are looking forward to it, we aim to do the three-peat."
The T20 final will be at Captain Cook Oval at 10am this Saturday, November 16.
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Aidan Green
Aidan Green is a Journalist for the North West Star. Aidan is a sports fanatic and also has interests in globalisation and political science. If you have a scoop shoot him an email a.green@northweststar.com.au
Aidan Green is a Journalist for the North West Star. Aidan is a sports fanatic and also has interests in globalisation and political science. If you have a scoop shoot him an email a.green@northweststar.com.au
