WBCA: Bridgetown’s hearty effort on Saturday secures grand final appearance for a 2021/22 repeat

Bridgetown secured their second consecutive Warren Blackwood Cricket Association grand final appearance after producing a thrilling five-run victory over Manjimup last Saturday.

Bridgetown won the toss and elected to bat in the first innings.

Opening batsmen Hugh Mitchell (42) and Tom Clynch (22) got Bridgetown off to a good start, however, quick wickets to Keenan Wlison (1/47) and Luke Murphy (3/26) stunned Bridgetown’s innings and left them at 4/113.

A stunning innings from Brendon White brought Bridgetown back into the game.

Scoring 85 runs including four sixes, White helped take Bridgetown to a solid 7/206 at the end of their 45 overs.

A fired up White (4/18) moved Bridgetown to a commanding position with Manjimup 5/26 early into their innings.

Manjimup stood up to the pressure and returned an 108-run partnership between Ben Lagana (98*) and Cameron Harris (51).

Lagana continued to pile the pressure on to the hosts bringing the game down to the last over — his unbeaten innings included 10 fours and three sixes.

The Bulldogs were able to hold off a relentless Manjimup batting performance which took the game down to the last ball.

Needing six to draw the game of the final delivery Bridgetown held on, winning by a mere five runs.

Bridgetown will face Forestry grand final rematch on Saturday at 12pm at Collier Sporting Complex.