Gellibrand had a few nervous moments on the way to a second straight grand final against Moonee Valley in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.
Last season’s division 4 premiers, Gellibrand is now through to the Roy Picone Shield grand final after a thrilling win against Caroline Springs on Sunday.
Gellibrand coach James Ryan said there were a few very nervous moments.
“It was a nerve-racking day watching on the sidelines,” he said. “I’m proud of the group they have done well.
“It was such an even competition and we’ve now made two grand finals in a row. It’ll be a big week for the club.
“It’s the same team as we played in last year’s grand final, it should be a good game.”
Ryan said they knew coming up from the lower grade this season that they would be competitive, but they didn’t expect to play off in a grand final.
Caroline Springs batted first on day one and made 181 as it was bowled out in the second last over.
Ryan said the group worked hard and got some crucial wickets early on.
“That was the key,” he said. “On paper, 180 was par on that ground.
“It’s a tough outfield and they have a couple of quality bowlers.”
After putting on 41 for the opening partnership, Gellibrand fell into a bit of a hole.
At 7-116, getting to 182 was a long way away.
Ryan said while there were some nerves they always thought they had the batting depth.
“We lost three or four wickets in a row to put ourselves under the pump,” he said.
“We had faith in the tail end. Paul [Hetherington] and Brayden [Macdonald] had gutsy innings to get us into a spot that we could get over the line.”
The pair got Gellibrand in sight, before two quick wickets meant the final partnership needed to put on 18 to get the win.
They did that, with Gellibrand finishing 9-183.
Hetherington finished unbeaten on 36 off 87 balls. Benjamin Toyne made just one off 20 balls at number 11, but stuck around with Hetherington.
“He is a courageous player,” Ryan said of the skipper. “He has had many important innings with bat and ball over the last six years.
“He was emotionally drained coming off. We’re proud of him.”
Gellibrand will face Moonee Valley in the grand final, after Moonee Valley beat Point Cook Centrals in the other semi final.
Gellibrand beat Moonee Valley in the division 4 grand final last season. Gellibrand won that one by 25 runs as Moonee Valley collapsed late.
Ryan said they were a really good club that they’ve had some good battles against.
“It’s exciting for the club and hopefully a few supporters can come down and watch a really game of cricket.”
