Tara Murray
Spotswood coach Dan Schuppan is still in disbelief after his side won through to the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west grand final, in just its second season in the competition.
The Woodsmen showed from day one that they wouldn’t be easy beats, narrowly missing out on finals last season after being on top at the midway point of the season.
The side came back even better this season, finishing on top after being the best team all season.
On Sunday, the Woodsmen won through to the grand final.
Schuppan said words can not describe the feeling of making it through to the final round of the season.
“I’m super proud of the whole club, it’s just an amazing feeling,” he said.
“We didn’t look at wanting to win a flag in a certain time frame when we came across.
“Last season was all about getting some respect. Coming from the VTCA [Victorian Turf Cricket Association] division 1, we were sledged.
“We were able to get that respect and now what we’ve done this year, on top and winning the minor premiership, winning two finals and now through to the grand final.”
To make the grand final, the Woodsmen needed to beat some demons in their semi final against Williamstown.
The Seagulls had been one team they had struggled against, with Schuppan saying before the match they deserved to be favourites.
While the Woodsmen didn’t put out their best performance with the bat, it was that had them in the game.
The Woodsmen were bowled out for 212 in the 76th over. Skipper Jakson Knight top scored with 59.
“They bowled really well,” Schuppan said. “Sean Sturrock is a sensational bowler.
“To get 212 was under par on that ground, but it was still runs on the board.”
Sturrock ended with five wickets for the Seagulls.
The Woodsmen’s bowlers, who have been their strength this season, then stood up again.
They bowled the Seagulls out for 126 in the 44th over.
Youngster Jackson Wadden was the star with 4-31. Schuppan chipped in with three himself.
Schuppan was full of praise for Wadden.
“In sport you can right thing in the right way.” he said.
“Waddo put his hand up that his first spell last week wasn’t good enough.
“His first spell this week where he took three wickets, just set the game up. He was just a kid that wanted to learn the ropes, but he is now our number one striker bowler.”
The Woodsmen will face Werribee in the grand final. The two teams are yet to meet this season after their round one match was washed out.
The match will be played at Spotswood, which Schuppan said was a big reward for the supporters who do so much.
Meanwhile, in good news for the club, it was announced during the week that Schuppan had signed on as coach for next season.
