Tara Murray
Altona North has gone from bottom of the ladder to premiers in 12 months in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.
After a tough 2019-20 season in division 1 west, the side was relegated to division 2 for this season.
Altona responded early with five wins in their first six matches, before a solid back half to the season to finish fourth.
They knocked off minor premiers Greenvale Kangaroos in the semi-finals, to secure a grand final spot against Newport-Digman, who beat second placed Sydenham-Hillside.
The momentum continued in the first week of the best of three grand final series for Altona North, which claimed game one of the series.
Game two was postponed to the second weekend due to heavy rain.
In game two, Newport was sent in by Altona North and were soon in trouble at 5-24. Newport fought hard and managed to make 115.
Number 10 Shannon Edwards top scored with 23. Altona North shared the wickets around.
That score would prove to be enough with Altona North bowled out for 99.
Buddhi Samarawickrama top scored with 29 as only two players scored double figures.
The result meant the series would go to game three, with the winner taking the premiership.
In a sense of deja vu, Newport-Digman batted first and was bowled out for 116, leaving Altona North with a similar total to chase down for a second straight day.
Sulan Jayawardhana top scored for Newport-Digman with 30.
Samarawickrama 3-26 off his seven overs for Altona North.
There would be no batting collapse this time for Altona North as they had the runs with relative ease.
They finished 4-119 off 27 overs.
4-119 in reply in 27 overs.
Skipper Nicholas Rainone top scored with 33 at the top of the order.
The win will likely see Altona North promoted to division 1 for next season.;
