WALLA has given itself a shot at winning its first premiership since 1995-96 after edging out Osborne by seven runs in the preliminary final at Osborne on Saturday. After scrambling its way to 150, the Hoppers were in huge trouble with Osborne cruising in the run chase at 2-96. But for the third week in a row the bowlers came to the rescue with Jamie McCarthy, Tom Simmons, Mark Taylor and Joel Merkel outstanding. "It was another great effort," Simmons said. "Our bowling has been really good for a while now, just bowling stump to stump and keeping the pressure on. "I thought 150 would be defendable and thankfully it was just enough." Walla posted a competitive score thanks to a patient 62 from Merkel and an adventurous 47 from opener Dan McCarthy. Merkel has enjoyed a break-out season, making 371 runs and taking 32 wickets. Osborne recovered from the loss of two early wickets through Dan Kennedy (40) and Ed Perryman (30) but the chase proved just beyond them. Simmons said the Hoppers would take the same approach into Saturday's grand final at Rand. "We're in pretty good form now so we've just got to back ourselves in," he said. "Our depth is a lot better this year which is important." Walla's last premiership came against Burrumbuttock in 1995-96 when tearaway paceman Jason Hogg blew away the Swans with some lethal bowling.
Walla players celebrate a wicket during their thrilling seven-run victory over Osborne at Osborne on Saturday. Picture: BILL CARTER
WALLA has given itself a shot at winning its first premiership since 1995-96 after edging out Osborne by seven runs in the preliminary final at Osborne on Saturday.
After scrambling its way to 150, the Hoppers were in huge trouble with Osborne cruising in the run chase at 2-96.
But for the third week in a row the bowlers came to the rescue with Jamie McCarthy, Tom Simmons, Mark Taylor and Joel Merkel outstanding.
"It was another great effort," Simmons said.
"Our bowling has been really good for a while now, just bowling stump to stump and keeping the pressure on.
"I thought 150 would be defendable and thankfully it was just enough."
Walla posted a competitive score thanks to a patient 62 from Merkel and an adventurous 47 from opener Dan McCarthy.
Merkel has enjoyed a break-out season, making 371 runs and taking 32 wickets.
Osborne recovered from the loss of two early wickets through Dan Kennedy (40) and Ed Perryman (30) but the chase proved just beyond them.
Simmons said the Hoppers would take the same approach into Saturday's grand final at Rand.
"We're in pretty good form now so we've just got to back ourselves in," he said.
"Our depth is a lot better this year which is important."
Walla's last premiership came against Burrumbuttock in 1995-96 when tearaway paceman Jason Hogg blew away the Swans with some lethal bowling.
