Congs fall short in game three

(Williamstown Congs Facebook page)

Williamstown Congs weren’t able to keep the momentum going in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 grand final series on Sunday.

After winning game two of the best-of-three grand finals series against Roxburgh Park to keep the series alive, the Congs were hoping for a similar result on Saturday in game three.

The Congs won the toss and elected to bat, and made 8-161 from their overs.

Rajan Aiyappan top scored with 40 not out, while Asif Rasool 3-36 off eight overs for the Falcons.

The Falcons timed their run to perfection hitting the winning runs in the second last over.

The Falcons finished 6-162.

Shahid Mahmood top scored with 36.

Karandeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers for the Congs, finishing with 2-37.

Despite the loss, the Congs have still earned promotion into division 4 for next season.

The grand final series was one of three to go to a third match.

In the senior division, Haig Fawkner came from 1-0 down to beat Aberfeldie.

In a repeat of the T20 grand final, the result would go a different way with Haig Fawkner winning on Saturday.

In game three, Aberfeldie batted first after winning the toss.

Abers made 5-169 from their 40 overs with Shaifi Moazzem top scoring with 45 not out.

It was all single wicket takers for Haig Fawkner, with Charith Mendis the most economical.

Haig Fawkner lost an early wicket, but a strong second wicket partnership would put them back in the game.

The 100-run partnership between Jaspreet Bhatti and Dilan Soysa took the score to 1-124. While Haig Fawkner would lose a few more wickets in the run chase, the runs were made with ease.

Haig Fawkner hit the winning runs with five and half overs remaining, finishing 5-172.

Bhatti top scored with 67.

Moazzem took two wickets for Abers, as they threw the ball around looking for a wicket. Nine players had a bowl in the innings.

In division 3, Footscray United came from 1-0 down against Grand United to claim the premiership.

Deer Park, Caroline Springs and Sydenham-Hillside all claimed premierships on the first weekend.

Tara Murray