Michael Arblaster goes on the attack. Picture: ROBERT PEET
ONE-DAY FINAL
Oak Flats teenager Michael Arblaster had the best day of his young career with a brilliant 81 in the team's 63-run victory over Lake Illawarra in the South Coast one-day final yesterday.
Opening the batting on his home Geoff Shaw Oval track, Arblaster set the game up for the Rats, who posted 201, then dismissed the Lakers for 138.
Arblaster was involved in two key partnerships; a stand of 56 for the second wicket with Matt Counsell (31) and 63 for the third wicket with Scott McAndrew (20).
Oak Flats wobbled, losing 4-24 in the middle order to be 6-155, but with Arblaster still at the crease, and support from Andy Twyford (22), Oak Flats pushed on beyond 200.
Lakers spinner Tony Panecasio took 3/46 and Greg Conner 2-37.
Lake opener Tode Biracoski (33) and Dave Lambert (30) put on a patient 65, but tight bowling from Twyford (3-25), Phil Dell'Orefice (2-7) and Kieran Gray (2-30) proved decisive.
"It's the best day I've had in cricket for sure," he said.
"I was a bit scratchy early on, but once I settled in I felt pretty good. I got some really good support from my teammates."
Twyford was close to missing the game due to a heel spur but, after passing a fitness test, made a telling contribution with bat and ball.
Oak Flats and Lake Illawarra are almost certain to finish top two and favoured to meet again in the two-day premiership decider next month.
Oak Flats take on Kiama in next Sunday's Twenty20 semi-finals and will be chasing their second trophy in a week.