AFTER a fairy-tale run to the grand final in only their second Swan Hill District Cricket Association season, Wandella fell short against a star-studded St Mary’s Tyntynder side by six wickets.
However, the Bombers can be very proud of their efforts, having made the SHDCA a far stronger league with their presence.
They are sure to challenge for the A Grade title for many years to come with a young list that includes Bohden, Ethan and Flynn McKnight and Patrick Oliver.
Their strong form line of six on the trot wasn’t enough to get them over the line against the Saints, though, who were far and away the best team through the season.
Batting first, the Bombers could put only 121 on the board, far below what was required on a good Showgrounds deck and against the powerful Saints’ batting line-up.
Laine Gibbons (24) and Bohden McKnight (25) were the only batsmen to put sustained pressure on the Saints’ bowling, with captain and star batsman Greg Dickson falling for two in a massive moment.
In reply, it looked like the Saints would chase down the target with ease but with a parochial Wandella crowd spurring their side on, the Bombers fought their way back into the contest at 3/61 thanks to a tremendous spell by Ethan McKnight (3/37).
But a couple of dropped catches soon after proved costly and Bailey Codling (31 not out) and Jack Shannahan (19 not out) guided the Saints home with just under 20 overs to spare.
