By Lance Jenkinson
To those on the outside, Altona Roosters had the look of an underdog heading into the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 2 finals.
The Roosters snuck into the finals in fourth and had to win both finals on the road if they were to become premiers.
As soon as March arrived, it became apparent the Roosters were the team of destiny. In the inner sanctum, this belief had burned brightly since the moment they captured the Steve McNamara Shield at Sewell Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
Roosters captain Ash Peters said the Roosters held no fears going into the finals, particularly not against the second-ranked Glenroy, who they beat twice during the season.
“Knowing the players we have and the talent we’ve got, we could push any team,” Peters said.
Altona Roosters sauntered to an outright win by an innings and 88 runs. This was a beatdown of epic proportions.
After skittling Glenroy for 65 in the first innings, the Roosters posted 205, a commanding lead of 140 runs.
Glenroy’s second innings was just as dismal on Saturday, bowled out for 52 in 45.3 overs.
Malith Cooray put the exclamation mark on the Roosters’ first senior VTCA premiership. He rattled Glenroy with fast and straight bowling to take 6-19 off 11.3 overs.
Cooray’s adherence to the Roosters game plan impressed his skipper.
“We had a plan to attack the stumps early and make them play at every ball,” Peters said. “He made them play every ball and a couple of edges went through to the keeper.
“He executed the plans that we’ve been speaking about.”
As good as Cooray’s second innings bowling was, it was still not enough to wrap up man-of-the-match award.
That honour went to all-rounder Sanjaya Fernando, who was the architect of the Roosters first innings lead.
Fernando scored 71 and took 4-5.
“He set the game up for us with the bat and with the ball,” Peters said.
The Roosters will move up to division 1 next summer.
The Roosters also won the second XI flag, defeating Kingsville.
MORE VTCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/druids-show-true-grit/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/melton-centrals-right-on-target/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sydenham-hillside-grit-seals-flag/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunshine-shine-and-rise-again/
