Gloucester Bushmen will need to do it the hard way in order to qualify for the Manning district second grade cricket grand final.
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The side was soundly defeated by minor premiers Great Lakes in last Saturday's qualifying final. The Bushmen bowlers tore into Great Lakes to dismiss the side for 142.
Great Lakes captain Ryan Clark posted a half ton but it was his brother Blake who bowled the side into the decider. He claimed a six-fa as Gloucester finished all out for 52.
Gloucester cricket association president and player Matthew Higgins, who topped scored for the side with 11, was understandably disappointed.
"The pitch was a bit tricky but they (Great Lakes) seemed to handle it better than us," Higgins said.
He conceded a month off the field due to wet weather could have played a factor in the side's rusty performance.
"Every team is in the same boat though," Higgins added.
Jye Barkwill was consistent as ever with the ball, claiming 4/18 from five overs.
"He's been our best bowler by far," Higgins said.
Harrison Earl-Broadley chipped in with 3/37 from eight overs.
While happy with his bowlers for keeping Great Lakes to a modest total, Higgins said they will need to stem the flow of sundries in Saturday's preliminary final against Old Bar in Gloucester.
The side bowled 27 extras against Great Lakes.
"You can't do that in the finals," Higgins said.
Great Lakes now have the week off and will host the grand final at Tuncurry Oval on March 14.
Higgins is confident Gloucester will move on to the decider with a measure of revenge and redemption in mind.
Old Bar, who finished on 39 points with Great Lakes and Gloucester, defeated Wingham by seven wickets in the elimination final.
Gloucester and Old Bar shared the wins this season, with the final encounter washed out.
Openers Harrison Clarke and Johny Cornelius will be relied on to get the Bushmen on the front foot with the bat.
They will need to be mindful of Old Bar quicks Ashley Kippax and Kieran Green who have been in fine touch with the ball this season.