Kalzee, Smith rip throughWanderers

Mines have booked a place in the senior grand final with a comprehensive win over the defending champion Wanderers.

Winning the toss and batting first, Mines skipper Taurean Williams met the new ball with a boundary, before edging the last ball of the over to the safe gloves of keeper Brett Dray.

Opener Bill Cousins was joined by James Elliott, both former Wanderers players, in a 35-run partnership before Cousins guided a ball to Mick Jones in the gully.

Paul Huckle and Dom Vandeworp came and went cheaply before man of the match Izzy Kalzee joined Elliott for a 57-run partnership that steadied the Mines’ ship.

When Elliott (35) was dismissed, Neil Smith joined Kalzee for another significant partnership before Smith was out, another catch to the keeper Dray.

After their 40 overs, the Mines had set an imposing total of 193 runs for the Wanderers to chase down.

Cousins, Williams and Smith each took an early wicket, then the needless run out of Wayne Stokes for 15, and the dismissal of Chris Vrossink left the Wanderers floundering at 5-20.

Kalzee joined Smith at the bowling crease and between them they sent five batsmen back to the dressing sheds. At the drinks break things were not looking good for the defending champions with the score on 8-52.

The innings lasted a further 15 deliveries and four more runs before the Mines claimed a huge win and momentum going into Saturday’s grand final against Port Hedland, who have not played a match since they played Mines on February 2.