Frankland end Kendenup’s run

Frankland River bounced back from their disappointing second semifinal showing to eliminate reigning premiers Kendenup in Sunday’s preliminary final of the Great Southern Cricket Association. After only losing three games all year, Frankland faced a straight-sets finals exit after their big defeat at the hands of Tambellup in last Saturday’s second semifinal. Batting first in the preliminary final, Frankland posted a match-winning total of 7-203 on their home turf. After falling to 2-18 early on Frankland recovered as their middle order helped swing the match in their favour, four batsmen making scores in excess of 25. Opener Brian Kent made a well-compiled 42 to help set up the innings and was well supported by Ashely Hooper (44), Muhammad Salman (28) and Clinton Masters (28no). Ryan Ballard snared 3-24 for Kendenup who were set 204 to win. An early collapse had Kendenup on the back foot at 4-40 before Clinton and Matt Gilbert shared in a 62-run stand to give their side some hope. Clinton Gilbert fell five runs short of a half century but his dismissal triggered trouble for his side as they quickly fell to 8-143. Matt Gilbert was unbeaten on 45 but he ran out of partners as Kendenup’s title hopes were ended, bowled out for 172 in the final over as Frankland booked their place in the grand final against Tambellup. Dave Carey took three wickets in a terrific nine-over spell while Salman, Kim Lange and Hooper all chipped in with two wickets each. Kendenup made their way through to the preliminary final after taking care of Broomehill easily in the elimination first semifinal clash on Saturday in Kendenup. A superb performance with the ball helped Kendenup to an emphatic win as Broomehill were bowled out for a dismal 50, losing 8-20 at one stage. Keegan Berry and Darcey Burcham both took three wickets for the victors. In reply, Kendenup had to survive a few nervous moments after they slipped to 7-41 but Berry hit the winning runs as they won by three wickets in the 24th over to progress to the preliminary final.