Yarraville Club was a “lucky loser” in a weird final round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s senior division.
The Clubbers started the day outside the top four, lost on first innings to Strathmore at the Syd McGain Oval and by 6pm had somehow managed to snatch a finals berth.
The Emmett Bronca-coached side was the beneficiary of two around-the-grounds results, with Bentleigh (273) chased down by Hoppers Crossing (4-323) and Old Mentonians (199) losing to South Caulfield (233 and 1-68).
The Clubbers finished fourth with 79.65 points, marginally ahead of Old Mentonians (79.11) and Bentleigh (77.67).
“We’ve never been in that position on the last day before, but we’ll take it,” Clubbers top-order batsman Justin Baker said.
“Mathematically we knew it was possible, but we weren’t approaching the game even considering that it would be a possibility.
“The last round of every season brings up some awesome games and interesting results.”
The Clubbers may have qualified in fourth, but they will be feared by the other three clubs in the finals.
This is a side that has won four of the past five flags and has gone all the way from fourth. This will be the side’s 14th consecutive finals series.
But what has made the Clubbers what they are today is the ability to evolve and not live off a glorious past. “What happened during the season and last year doesn’t mean squat,” Baker said. “Finals are effectively another season and that’s the way we’re looking at it.”
The Clubbers will travel to the scene of last year’s semi-final defeat to face reigning premier Greenvale.
Baker is confident his side has the experience, talent and form to return home with a famous win.
“A lot of our guys are playing some really good cricket at the moment and we’re confident that we can not only win the game but do it with a bit of conviction,” he said.
“In saying that, we know we’re coming up against a quality side.
“There’s a reason they’re on top of the ladder … they were the most consistent throughout the year.”
