Tara Murray
Altona Roosters were able to hold their nerve for the second straight week to come away with the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield premiership.
The Roosters had to dig deep in the semi final against Williamstown CYMS to earn a spot in the grand final, which they would then host.
The grand final presented a bigger challenge, facing the best side all season, Grand United.
Both sides had time in control but it was the Roosters that came out on top, much to the relief of coach Jack Blythman.
“It’s such a relief,” he said. “It got to tea [on day two] and we felt like we were on top. Sometimes when you’re fielding the break can come at the right time.
“For the batting team it comes at the wrong time. It didn’t do anything for my nerves and they then threw their second last punch at us.
“We were able to secure the win with [Nadeera] Thuppahi still there and helping the other batters to get them home.”
The match was set up on day one for the Roosters.
The Roosters won the toss and decided to bowl. Blythman said they believe they are a better team when they field first and then chase down a score.
The Gorillas lost a couple of early wickets before a partnership between Jayden White-Powell and Leniko Boucher.
Once that was broken, the Gorillas struggled to get any more partnerships going.
The tail struggled and the Gorillas were bowled out for 129 in the 62nd over.
White-Powell top scored with 53, with Boucher the only other player to pass 20.
Dishnaka Ariyarathna took 5-26 for the Roosters while Matthew Short took three wickets.
Blythman said that Ariyarathna singlehandily turned the game in the favour of the Roosters, taking wickets in clumps.
The Roosters started well with the bat with their three top bats all getting starts.
The Gorillas fought back and were able to get into the middle order.
The nerves started to come for the Roosters after tea with the side slipping to 6-88.
With Thuppahi still at the crease, the Roosters still had a good chance.
They managed to sneak home, finishing 8-130.
Thuppahi finished 40 not out.
Blythman said it felt very similar to the week before.
“We lost wickets in clumps,” he said. “There was some good bowling and their spinner took us apart.
“Having Leigh [Lewis] at the eight was good and he was able to stick with Thuppahi.”
Blythman, who is in his first season as coach, said he wasn’t completely surprised to see his side take out the premiership this year.
“I’m so proud of the guys who played their roles and stepped up in a big moments,” he said.
“They did it as one, not as 11.”
The Roosters will now earn promotion into division 1 for next season.
Blythman said they were looking forward to the new challenge.
“It will be tough, but the club has always punched above its weight and hopefully we can continue to do that.”
