It is local cricket’s version of a Test match – a four-day grand final in which a batting side can stay at the crease the whole weekend if it so desires.
But bowlers want time in the spotlight, too.
They pretty much stole all of the limelight on the opening weekend of the VTCA senior division decider between Yarraville Club and South Caulfield at Peter Robinson Oval in Murrumbeena.
Batsmen dropped like flies with a massive 25 wickets falling on the first two days.
Five late wickets for the Clubbers’ bowlers late on Sunday would have the reigning champions feeling slightly better than their counterparts heading into Saturday’s third day.
South Caulfield might have rued its decision to bat after making just 147.
Ashley Russell saved South with a bullish 79 off 194 balls.
The Clubbers got a dose of reality when they were bowled out for 140, to be trailing on first innings by seven. The only Clubbers batsmen to seriously trouble the scorers on a tricky wicket were Konrad Kurta (32) and Justin Baker (52).
The Clubbers still have plenty of hope after South went to stumps on the second day in trouble at 5-46 – a lead of just 53.
In the west A1 grand final, Williamstown CYMS (107 and 88) is staring down the barrel against Sunshine United (147 and 4-30) at Langshaw Reserve. In the west B1 decider, Kingsville Baptist (9-123) and Deer Park (130) are locked in a tight match.
