The Narrandera Carpheads (1/86) booked a third consecutive Grand Final berth after defeating the Mirrool Rosellas (all out for 83) by nine wickets in last Saturday’s Preliminary Final of the Ardlethan Barellan District Cricket Association competition.

With Grand Final glory up for grabs, Narrandera captain Mark Tilyard won the toss and elected to bowl first at Barellan, a decision that soon had his team on the front foot.

Tilyard showed his skills with ball in hand and claimed the opening wicket of Joe Furphy as he led the bowling attack that had the Rosellas in trouble early.

During his spell, Tilyard repeatedly beat the bat, not allowing the opposition to build any momentum and was unlucky not to take more wickets before he struck again.

“Everything was on the line as both teams presented a combination of youth and experience as the game started,” Tilyard said.

“Our bowling attack was relentless, not giving the Rosellas an inch.

“The Rosellas were in desperate need of runs as they were 3/26 at the drinks break.”

However, the Rosellas’ captain Ben Prentice, who finished as the Rosellas’ highest run scorer, mounted a fightback before the innings quickly unravelled.

“His impeccable striking took the Rosellas to 65 before he was bowled by Archer Quinn for 34 runs,” Tilyard said.

“After that, the Rosellas could only manage another 18 runs and were all out for 83.”

The Carpheads’ best bowlers included J Scott (3/11 off 3.5 overs), Mark Tilyard (2/9 off 10 overs, including 6 maiden overs) and Archer Quinn (2/10 off 6 overs).

In the run chase, the Carpheads, chasing 84 for victory, set about the task in a confident mood with the opening pairing of James Sullivan and Archer Quinn at the crease.

The openers put the Carpheads in a good position, guiding the side to 0/37 at the drinks break and lifted the intensity after the restart.

“They controlled the innings, chipping away at the total,” Tilyard said.

“After drinks, the tempo was increased and the boys began to race towards the finish line, with the only casualty of Quinn (23 runs) falling with just 10 runs required, leaving Sullivan and number 3 batter Tom Butterfield (7 not out) to mop up the final runs.”

The Carpheads’ highest run scorer was James Sullivan who finished on 46 not out.

Tilyard is delighted to have led his team to a third consecutive premiership decider, but realises the task that lies ahead against rivals, the Ardlethan/Beckom Yabbies, will pose some challenges.

He also thanked all the supporters and families for their “loving support” throughout the season and urged them to get behind the team for one last time this season.

“The Yabbies have beaten us in the previous two Grand Finals and are going for their fourth premiership win in a row,” he said.

“We are yet to win a premiership in the Ardlethan Barellan comp, but we’ll be looking to break the losing streak and bring home the silverware on Saturday.

“Win or lose, it has been a wonderful year for the club and for myself taking over the role as captain.

“I'd like to encourage anyone who has been following us to come out to Ardlethan and support the Carps in the Grand Final – hopefully third time’s the charm.”

The big match is to be played at the Ardlethan Sports Ground with the first ball to be bowled at noon.