Warren Blackwood Cricket Association semifinal matchup set with the winner to face Forestry in grand final

The final round of the Warren Blackwood Cricket Association started with all top three teams being able to finish in any order, with finals-style repercussions for performances. Top of table Forestry continued their dominance by taking down Manjimup by 49 runs and cementing a home grand final next weekend, while the loss for Manjimup means they travel this week to Bridgetown for the semifinal with the two sides only separated by net run rate. Manjimup captain Jack Muir won the toss and elected to bowl first in Saturday’s clash at home against Forestry, a decision he would have been happy with having the visitors 2-13 after four overs. Daniel Ward (41 off 64) and Connor Ipsen (26 off 35) were the main contributors for Forestry with the bat, while Brock Tempra (16 off 38) and Josiah Smith (18 off 32) both chipped in with much needed runs, getting the side to a modest total of all out for 167. Luke Murphy had the ball on a string for Manjimup, taking 4-17 from his nine overs, helped by Jonathan Millar and Noah Murphy taking two wickets each. Manjimup got off to a poor start with the bat, sitting at 4-39 after 18 overs. Ben Lagana brought some momentum back to the home side with a quick fire 41 off 43 and Luke Murphy joined in for 19 off 37, but Forestry proved too strong bowling Manjimup out for 118. Mark Natale (3-15 from nine) and Zack Johnston (3-27 from nine) caused havoc with the ball, dismissising the whole middle order. Boyup Brook did all they could to ruin the party for Bridgetown by cruising to a six-wicket win. Braydon Ridley was the best player on the field, taking 3-15 from nine to help bowl Bridgetown out for 134 before making 54 not out off 92 balls in the winning run chase. He finished his standout season with 814 runs at an average of 74 — a whopping 404 runs ahead of second place — and 13 wickets at 23. Northcliffe secured their first win of the season in the final round, defeating Pemberton by 36 runs. Openers Dean McGregor (71 off 131) and Asa Lamb (85 off 126) had a 178-run partnership for Northcliffe as the visitors finished with 3-200 off their 45 overs. Ashley Gunning took 4-27 off nine overs in the defence, with Cameron Bamess (42 off 36) and Quinn Reynolds (42 off 51) making contributions, but no other Pemberton batter was able to go on with it as they lost by 36 runs. Bridgetown are hosting Manjimup in the semifinal on Saturday February 21 at 12.30pm with the winner set to face Forestry in next week’s grand final.