Tara Murray
Footscray United has a habit of making things harder than it should, but it means little now with a Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 2 premiership in its possession.
The Bulldogs had to fight hard in their grand final against St Andrews Pascoe Vale on the weekend.
For much of the second day of the match, St Andrews looked on track to upset the Bulldogs.
But the class shone through late, with the Bulldogs sneaking home.
Bulldogs captain-coach Shafraz Mohamed said it was a pretty awesome feeling.
“It was a bit of a raffle about the 60 over mark [on Sunday],” he said.
“We stopped up and got back to the level we do best and were able to get the job done.
“It wouldn’t be us if we didn’t win a close one.”
The Bulldogs batted on day one after winning the toss, making 9-248 from their 80 overs.
Praveen Warnakulasuriya top scored with 75 in an innings which included nine fours.
Mohamed said the pitch played better on day two than they had expected, which benefited St Andrews.
At 3-174, St Andrews were in front in the game, probably favourites to get the job done.
But once one wicket fell, the momentum shifted.
St Andrews were eventually bowled out for 212 in the 74th over.
Mohamed said their strong bowling line up stepped up and got them over the line.
“I came on from one end and got the two set batsmen out,” he said.
“As soon as we got through the two good bats, we knew that it would be game over. We had dropped one of them on zero and he had gone on to make 80.
“We just bowled tight and had faith in all our bowlers.”
Frank Hoang was awarded player of the match for his 3-25. Mohamed also took three wickets, while Lahiru Kumara took four wickets.
Mohamed said it was good to see Hoang recognised for his performance.
“Frankie is a home grown talent,” he said.
“It is a great achievement. Daniel Melican got player of the series last year.
“To have our home grown talent come on and have a really strong performance it’s not just good for him, but also for the club.”
The premiership is the Bulldogs second in a row having won the division 3 premiership last season.
Mohamed said they had a great team together and that they continued to get better the longer they played together.
The Bulldogs will be in division 1 next season.
Mohamed said there was no reason why they couldn’t make it three premierships in a row.
“Hopefully we can stick together and do what we do best, I’m sure we can win another one.”
Meanwhile in senior division, Yarraville Club will host the grand final against Deer Park.
The Lions upset minor premiers Haig Fawkner in their semi final on the weekend, to set up the clash with the Clubbers, who had the weekend off.
