Yarraville Club is rejoicing after claiming back-to-back Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division flags.
The Clubbers came back from the brink of disaster, executing a successful run chase to beat Doutta Stars by four wickets in the grand final at McLean Reserve.
Set a target of 223 for victory, the Clubbers were in all sorts of trouble at 5-39, but the momentum turned on the back of a patient and enthralling innings from Will Sheridan.
The one-time state and Melbourne Renegades all-rounder guided the Clubbers to glory with 112 not out off 266 balls.
Handy help for the 30-year-old came from Joey Blake, who made 22 in a 56-run sixth wicket partnership, then from wicketkeeper Ben Tupper, who made 50 in an unbroken 131-run stand. What a time for Sheridan and Tupper to record their top scores for the summer. Earlier in the game, fast bowler Emmett Bronca gave the Clubbers a fighting chance, snaring 7-50 off 25.4 overs.
Yarraville Club’s incredible premiership haul continues. The Clubbers have featured in 13 of the past 16 senior division grand finals and this was their ninth premiership in that time.
In north west B1, Williamstown CYMS lost its grand final in heartbreaking fashion to Deer Park by 15 runs at Ainsworth Reserve.
The CYs needed 168 for victory in the second innings, but fell short to be all out for 153.
Shiran Rajakaruna, the standout CYs batsman in the game, backed up with 48 after scoring 94 in the first dig, but to no avail. Tarique Jeffrey (6-60) and Gayan de Silva (7-62 and 10 wickets for the match) gave CYs a chance with their stellar bowling earlier in the game.
In Premier Cricket, Footscray fell a hurdle short of the final, going down to Fitzroy Doncaster by six wickets at Schramms Reserve.
With the exception of an incredible 82 not out from Dean Russ, the Bulldogs barely fired a shot with the bat, posting 138 in 55.1 overs.
The Lions had a couple of early hiccups to be 2-7, but cruised thereafter to book a spot in a third consecutive grand final, in which they will play Dandenong at the Junction Oval.
It was coach Steve Chapman’s final game in charge of Footscray. His time at the kennel will be remembered for leading the Bulldogs to the drought-breaking 2013-14 flag.
