There is nothing surer in life right now than death, taxes and Yarraville Club consistently featuring on the biggest stage in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
The Clubbers are within reach of a remarkable eighth premiership in 10 seasons after handing a lesson to Hoppers Crossing in a five-wicket semi-final victory at Hansen Reserve at the weekend.
In the grand final, they will face South Caulfield over four days in a rematch of last summer’s decider.
It will be the Clubbers 11th grand final appearance in 13 seasons – a dynasty that would be hard to top in any sports competition at any level.
They have managed to evolve and endure, with Justin Baker and Ben Tupper the last remaining players from the side that lost the 2003-04 grand final to Keilor all those years ago.
The sweet taste of success ever since has become an addiction for the Clubbers.
“We’re excited,” coach Michael O’Keefe said. “We’re keen to have another crack at it.”
Every grand final presents its own unique challenges for Yarraville Club.
O’Keefe says South Caulfield shouldn’t be underestimated despite the Clubbers going in as favourites.
“They’re a good side, probably the best side for the year to be truthful,” O’Keefe said. “They’ve got some talent all the way through and we’re going to have to be at our best to beat them.”
What South Caulfield doesn’t have is a whole heap of experience in grand finals.
It should be noted the Clubbers lost three consecutive grand finals before their 2005-06 premiership.
“The advantage we’ve got is that we have a lot of guys who have played in grand finals and the experience we’ve gained over that time is certainly going to help us in tough times over four days of cricket,” O’Keefe said.
“You’ve got to win critical moments and that’s what we know we can do.”
The Clubbers had to draw on their big-game experience in their semi-final run chase against Hoppers Crossing. They were on the rack at 4-36 in their pursuit of 208 before Konrad Kurta (108no) combined with Aaron Mato (40) and Andrew Cullen (36no) to get them home.
Kurta’s inclusion this summer has strengthened an already powerful Clubbers line-up. The New Zealander was at the club last season, but couldn’t play in the ones due to the points cap.
His maiden first XI century for the club could not have come at a better time.
He has made 600 runs and taken 21 wickets in a remarkable season and will be one of the players to watch in the grand final.
“He’s improved our team immensely because he bats in the top three, opens the bowling and also bowls some off-spin,” O’Keefe said. “He’s a pretty talented all-round cricketer.”
Finals specialist Matthew Murphy snared his best figures of the summer (4-52), helping restrict Hoppers to a manageable target.
The medium-pacer has made a habit of producing his best spells of bowling in cut-throat situations.
“He’s a true finals player – he comes to the fore at the right time every year,” O’Keefe said.
