Tara Murray
It was grand final heartache for Footscray Angliss in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 competition on the weekend.
With both its first and second XIs playing off in grand finals, Angliss was hoping to come away with some silverware.
Instead it was a disappointing day for the club, with both sides losing their respective matches.
Angliss president Michael Cox said while it was a disappointing day for the club, there’s lots of positives to take out of the season.
Both first XI grand final sides get promoted to division 4, meaning it wasn’t all disappointment with how the season ended.
“Nearly two or three years ago we were considering giving up playing on turf,” he said.
“We went from winless to a semi final and now a grand final and promotion into division 4.
“We can see the gigantic steps forward the club has made.”
The first XI would be thinking what might have been after being on top after day one of the match.
East Coburg was bowled out for 126 in the 72nd over.
Cox said they would have taken that at the start of the day.
“That was a sensational effort by the group,” he said.
“In 30-plus degrees the guys did well and were up and about all day. East Coburg would have been a bit worried that 127 was not enough.”
Angliss had to face five overs at the end of the day. At 0-13 things were looking good until a wicket on the final ball of the day.
Day two would be one they would like to forget, bowled out for just 98.
Jack Lishman top scored with 13.
Cox was quick to pay credit to East Coburg.
“They bowled really well,” he said. “The guy who won the medal [Satheesh Sivakumaran Fernandu] took 6fa and was sensational.”
Cox said he was proud of how the group had come together under Anders Welsh and Daniel Janka.
“It highlights the culture of the club,” he said. “A few years ago that was sadly missing and I highlighted that to the guys after the game.
“We’re not only proud of their performances on the field, but we’re proud of how they handled themselves.
“They’re the type of guys we want around the club, they’re a good bunch of blokes.”
The second XI lost its grand final to Sanctuary Lakes.
Sanctuary Lakes made 8-250 before bowling Angliss out for just 104.
