Sport
15 March, 2026
Highlands Cricket: Robertson, Moss Vale and Bowral advance to grand finals
Highlands Cricket’s three grade competitions produced a day of drama on Saturday as teams battled through the preliminary finals to secure places in next weekend’s grand finals.
Highlands Cricket’s three grade competitions produced a day of drama on Saturday as teams battled through the preliminary finals to secure places in next weekend’s grand finals.
First grade
Bradman Oval hosted the First Grade preliminary final between Hill Top and Robertson.
Batting first, Hill Top slumped to 7/85 before Sam Harwood (79) and Mitchell Bayliss (69 not out) staged a remarkable recovery, putting on 109 runs for the eighth wicket.
For Robertson, Sam Buster was the pick of the bowlers with 4/49, while Jack Whitfield provided strong support with 3/32.
In reply, Robertson were 3/58 before Charles Whatman (57 not out) and Mitchell Wright (87) combined for a match-winning 111-run partnership.
Hill Top captain Cameron Malcolm claimed three wickets but could not prevent Robertson securing victory.
Next Sunday’s First Grade grand final at Bradman Oval will see perennial favourites Bowral face Robertson, with the “Spuds” hoping to produce an upset.
Second grade
The Second Grade preliminary final was played at New Berrima, in the shadow of the cement works, where Bundanoon travelled north to meet Moss Vale.
Batting first, Bundanoon were dismantled by Moss Vale’s Reece Woods, who produced a stunning spell of 6/16. James Moylan provided strong support with 2/18.
Moss Vale then chased down the target without loss in just the 24th over. Darcy Kent finished unbeaten on 51 while Daniel Smith made 44 not out.
Moss Vale will now meet Robertson in next Sunday’s grand final, with the venue yet to be confirmed.
Third grade
The Third Grade preliminary final between Robertson and Bowral was played at the picturesque Tourist Road Oval in Glenquarry — and it delivered a thriller.
Batting first, Robertson were all out for 165, with Stuart Kinsella top scoring with a well-compiled 60.
For Bowral, captain Gavin Perkins took 3/6 and Finlay Kettlewell took 3/27.
In reply, Bowral chased down the target, only six wickets down with just one ball remaining. Finlay Kettlewell capped an excellent all-round performance with 58, while Robertson’s Finley Guest returned 2/16.
Bowral will now face Moss Vale in the Third Grade grand final next Saturday.
The Southern Wire will publish grand final previews later this week, followed by full match reports after the games.
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