By Mark Murray
YARRAVILLE Club claimed back-to-back Victorian Turf Cricket Association Senior Division premierships on Sunday with a gutsy triumph over Keilor.
The third day of the four-day final was washed out on Saturday ensuring a thrilling finish, with the reigning champion able to bat out the day on Sunday after securing a first innings lead of two runs.
The Clubbers’ win on first innings points after making 9/205 last week proved the difference.
Keilor looked destined to pass the total in its first and only innings at 9/203 before man of the match Colin Smart struck for Yarraville Club.
He had Josh Boyle caught behind for his fifth, and arguably his most important, wicket for the match.
Yarraville Club had to survive 61 overs to clinch the pennant again, which it did, finishing on 6/104 at stumps.
Team captain Gary Turner said it was one of the sweetest victories in which he had been involved.
“They only needed a couple of runs which would have seen them win, but Colin Smart produced what I think was the ball of the season,” Turner said.
“He found the edge and it went through to Daniel Morgan and we took over from there.
“That ensured we had a lead and all we had to do then was make sure we batted for 61 overs.
“It’s an amazing feeling and we’re all pretty rapt.”
It was Smart’s second five-wicket haul in as many grand finals after he also cleaned up with the ball in last year’s decider.
“He just steps up every time,” Turner said.
“He was sensational and can be pretty pleased with himself.”
It was the first time since 1997-98 that Yarraville Club had claimed back to back pennants, with Turner also involved in that double.
Yarraville Club batted first last week and posted 9/205 thanks to a brilliant 91 from Justin Baker and fine contributions from opening batsman Chris Wright (30) and Daniel Morgan (29).
Keilor got off to a cracking start in reply when it raced to 0/55 off 17 overs, but crashed to 8/162 at stumps.
Boyle did his best to help Keilor recover, but the team fell just short of the first innings total, and when rain washed out play on Saturday it proved crucial.
“It was pretty frustrating and was a boring day with the rain, but we just had to wait,” Turner said.
“There wasn’t much we could do about it, but as it turns out we’ve got the result we were after.
“It was a great effort by all the boys and we’ll celebrate pretty hard.”
Turner finished unbeaten on 14 on Sunday while Dean Pacholi (15) occupied valuable time at the crease.
