Tara Murray
There was a big sense of relief for the Altona Roosters after making the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield grand final.
The Roosters were in control for much of their match against the Williamstown CYMS, before the CYs fought back into the game.
The Roosters, who claimed the minor premier, were able to steady to seal a grand final spot.
Roosters coach Jack Blythman said was a relieved man after the result.
“It’s pretty awesome to be honest,” he said. “The guys did a great job in tough conditions and they took it up to us.
“We were able to get the job done to get the win.”
The Roosters bowled on Saturday and put themselves in a strong position as they bowled the CYs out for 127 in the 60th over.
Ben Johnson top scored for the CYs with 26 coming in at number eight as the lower order showed some resistance.
Nathan Pobega was the pick of the bowlers for the Roosters, with 4-26 off his 11 overs.
Blythman said they had both fielded and bowled well to restrict them to that low score.
On Sunday, the Roosters looked in control at 2-53 in the run chase.
They then lost 4-10 to crumble to 6-63.
Blythman said there were few nerves on the side lines watching on at that point.
“We got a great start but the opposition ways always going to punch back and they punched back hard,” he said.
“We had faith in who was out there but it was a nerve wracking experience for everyone. With Leigh [Lewis] and Shorty [Matthew Short] we had confidence in the guys out there.”
The Roosters hit the winning runs in the 57th over, finishing 7-128.
Lewis top scored with 39 not out after coming in at number eight. There had been five ducks earlier in the innings.
For Blythman in his first season of coach, he knew they had the potential to get to the grand final it was about putting it all together.
“Winning grand finals is what it is about,” he said. “We were selective in putting things together and the roles in the leadership group.
“We had the talent and leadership, we’ve put it all together of late.”
The Roosters will face Grand United in the grand final, after the Gorillas beat West Newport in the other semi final.
West Newport made 7-242 with Grand United finished 6-243 in reply.
The Roosters will host the grand final after finishing top, but Blythman knows that the Gorillas have been the team to beat all season.
“We’ve up for the challenge,” he said. “They have been class all year and it will be a two-dayer which will suit us better.
“Hopefully we’ll get the result. Hopefully with no long weekend and cooler weather we can get a massive crowed to get behind everyone that has got us there.”
Meanwhile, Yarraville Club’s senior premiership defence is over after being beaten by Sydenham-Hillside.
The Storm made 6-306 before bowling the Clubbers out for 147.
