Redbacks win bash for cash

WEST Bendigo won last night’s showdown with Mandurang in the Emu Valley Cricket Association’s bash for cash grand final.A prize pool of $1000 was up for grabs as the Redbacks and Mandurang met in the grand final of the Major League Sports-backed competition at Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane sporting complex.Mandurang batted first and reached 9-80 off 10 overs in which all players, with the exception of the wicket-keeper, bowl an over.Geoff Thompson struck two sixes in a superb innings of 31, which included four boundaries.David Ladiges hit a six and four in his score of 15.West Bendigo’s attack was led by Glen Wallis, 2-2, and captain Dion Prange, who captured 2-7 before a big crowd.An exciting run chase was led by Joel Purdy as he struck four boundaries in a game-high score of 32.Anthony Medhurst struck a six and two fours as he reached 19 for West Bendigo.A long-time player at West Bendigo, Ken Bell belted a six and four to be on 12 before he was run out.The Redbacks clinched victory on the second delivery of the 10th and final over.Best of the Mandurang attack were Phil Berry, 1-2, Michael Healy, 1-5, and Kris Raukola, 1-6, in the grand final of the fourth Bash for Cash tournament.The winners earned $750, and the runner-up $250.The bash for cash finalists meet in this Saturday’s start to the 11th and final round of the home-and-away series at Mandurang.