The Combine was tested in the ‘Stawell’ pool matches at Central Park on Saturday, narrowly defeating Halls Gap and Navarre to finish on top of the pool and book a spot in Sunday’s final.

The ‘Ararat’ pool also featured some tight matches, with B Grade side St Andrews holding their own despite playing against two of the best A Grade sides in Buangor and Tatyoon. 

St Andrews was able to test both sides but suffered two losses at Tatyoon Recreation Reserve on Saturday. 

Buangor claimed a second victory in two weeks over Tatyoon, going on to win by 49 runs and book a spot against the Combine in the final. 

The Combine did not disappoint with the bat in a much anticipated final, hitting the biggest score of the weekend of 160 in their 20 overs. 

The chase by Buangor was an anticlimax getting rolled for just 58 in 11.4 overs in a spectacular display of bowling from the whole Swifts-Great Western attack.

The win ensured the Henry Gunstone Cup stays on the Stawell side of Great Western, with Youth Club having won last year.

Swifts-Great Western captain Sam Cocks said he was impressed by the all round efforts of his team.

“I wasn’t too sure how we would go but it was good to see all of the team contributing,” he said.

“Both of our pool games were pretty tight, but our bowlers bowled well and we were able to minimise the scoring ability of both Halls Gap and Navarre.

“We also did well with the bat – Damian Joiner opening the batting was really good for us.”

Cocks said he was pleased to see the efforts continue into the final on Sunday.

“Buangor will be one of the teams to beat in A Grade so it was good to get a win over them, even if it was in the shorter form,” he said.

“We had a really mixed spread with the ball, but our opening bowlers Matt Heffer and Jayden McCartney really led the way.”

The competition featured six teams, three less than originally thought by the Grampians Cricket Association.

GCA president David Turner said he thought the weekend ran well despite the fewer than expected teams.

“All the games were competitive. There was exciting batting and sixes being hit with boundaries brought in for the matches,” he said.

“There is varying interest in Twenty20 cricket in the region so it is something we have to work on to get more people and clubs involved.”

Swifts-Great Western is now likely to play in the Warrnambool Sungold T20 Cup on the Australia Day long weekend next year.