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Traralgon has won its first Gippsland Cricket League Final since 2001 after recording a convincing 62 run victory over Warragul. Travis Switzer won the toss and had no hesitation in bating on a good wicket at Wy Yung. The first Traralgon wicket fell at 17 when Steve Nicholls (7) was dismissed. Kent Hammond (7) was next to go with the score on 49. Opener Jason Macfarlane and the in form Chris Lehner worked really hard to hold out a strong Warragul attack. Macfarlane contributed an invaluable 50 before he was caught behind. Chris Stanlake joined Lehner and the pair put on an excellent 64 run partnership which was to prove the difference between the two sides. Stanlake was eventually out for an entertaining 31 and man of the match Lehner batted beautifully for his 56. At 4 for 160 the Maroons were in a great position but failed to capitalize on the work of the earlier batsmen. They collapsed, losing 6 for 23, to be all out for 183 off 45 overs. Chris Perry (3 for 40 ) was Warragul’s most successful bowler. This was a reasonable score but there were certainly a few Traralgon batsmen very disappointed that they had not taken full toll. Warragul did not enjoy a great start to their run chase with Adam Street (1 for 29) and Shaun Barbour (1 for 24) claiming an early wicket each and the score was 2 for 34. The Maroons continued the really good work with the ball as John Keighran (1 for 29) and Tom Shippen ( 3 for 11) bowled extremely well to have Warragul 7 for 74. Shippen, in particular, continued his great season with a lovely display of swing bowling. Two run outs and a catch from Chris Stanlake sealed the final as Warragul was all out for 121. Spinners Brad Sizeland (1 for 6) and Ryan Senior (1 for 19) also made significant contributions. The Traralgon fielding was sharp and Chris Lehner capped off a man of the match performance with 3 catches behind the stumps and 2 assisted run outs. Clint Proctor (24) was the only Warragul batsmen to reach over 20. Traralgon’s captain Travis Switzer said it was great to win a GCL final after a decade. He paid tribute to coach Cain Logan who played a very significant leadership role and provide outstanding support to the group. “Cain’s appointment has been a revelation for Traralgon cricket and we are hoping to take our good form into Melbourne Country Week which will commence next Monday,” said Switzer. “As group we have dedicated this GCL victory to the late Alan Daniel. We called in at the Sale cemetery on our way home on Sunday evening and observed a minutes silence in honour of “Pencils”. He would have been delighted with our team’s performance,” said Switzer. SUMMARY: TRARALGON 183 (Chris Lehner 56, Jaspon Macfarlane 50, Chris Stanlake 31, Chris Perry 3 for 40) Defeated WARRAGUL 121 (Clint Proctor 24, Tom Shippen 3 for 11) Man of the Match: Chris Lehner 56, 3 catches and 2 assisted run outs) | 
