By Chris Anderson
Mount Evelyn and Woori Yallock have completed back to back flags in DJ Strachan Shield and RA Finger Trophy respectively.
Both teams completed dominant seasons, and although challenged across the journey, mastered their opposition in comprehensive victories on the competition’s biggest day.
For the competition’s premier grade, DJ Strachan Shield, it was left to Mount Evelyn were defending their title against Seville.
Early morning rain on the Saturday morning looked to curtail proceedings, but the skies cleared and a full day’s play of intense cricket followed.
Mount Evelyn won the toss, and duly elected to bat, keen to brush off a mediocre finish to the season with the willow.
After great success with their opening bowling combination, Seville stuck with Marcus Smith and Liam Kay with the new ball in a bid to strangle the life out of the free scoring Mounters’ bats.
For most part the strategy worked, and both Jesse Fraser and Andrew Giblin, although looking comfortable at the wicket, found scoring opportunities tough to come by.
The pair would hold their nerve, and inch by inch they would add to the tally which blossomed into a useful half century partnership.
The game was played at a frenetic pace, as the Seville slow bowling brigade whizzed through their overs trying to hustle the batsmen with some tight overs.
A staggering 55 overs would be bowled by afternoon tea, which had both teams scouring their rule books to work out their game plans as the game was evenly poised at 2/102.
Gareth Fraser and Jon Williams would combine for another useful half century partnership as the game ground to a crawl as the Seville outfit looked to reduce the amount of overs they looked likely to bowl.
The pair would add some urgency to their scoring, and unfortunately for Williams, it would cost him his wicket when he was run out for 30.
Gareth Fraser would push on to a fine innings of 66 which would anchor the late assault.
This would be matched by the fine efforts of Andy Kay who would salute with a five wicket haul in another marathon stint with the ball that almost matched that of his son.
Mark Sandfort would prove to be a more than capable ally as he finished with excellent figures of 3/28.
Eventually Mount Evelyn would be dismissed in the shadows of stumps with the score on 203.
Both teams would’ve rated their chances on day two with neither side in a totally commanding position.
Seville would opt for their most experienced players at the top, with Andy Kay and Leigh Aitkins and the pair started with positive intent and soon saw the opening bowlers off.
Unfortunately for the Blues that is where the resistance ended.
Kane Jones and Gareth Fraser took the control with the ball and the game.
The pair would bowl unchanged for 31 overs to dismantle their opposition.
Jones was the chief destroyer taking a remarkable 8/7 in a devastating performance.
Fraser would be no less effective with the ball, and his 2/21 wasn’t a true reflection of his efforts with the ball.
Mount Evelyn now completes back to back flags in the top grade from appearing in three consecutive deciders.
They were clearly the dominant side in Strachan Shield, and their victory was thoroughly deserved.
In RA Finger Trophy action, Woori Yallock was equally impressive in their title defence against Gruyere.
Woori Yallock batted first, and they were soon in control as the experienced pairing of Ryan Smith and Mick Dwyer took the early ascendency.
The pair would put together an impressive 180 run opening partnership that would almost put the contest to bed.
Gruyere stalwart, Matt Tilney, would finally break through removing Dwyer, and when Worlley and Smith followed soon after, the Scorpions swooped on a little opening.
Smith’s brilliant century was something to behold as he made 127 runs off 154 deliveries rendering the Gruyere attack helpless.
Gruyere would fight back, but the early work of the openers, allowed the likes of Cal Ferguson, who scored a tidy 48 runs, the freedom to bat with little consequence.
The Tigers would lose wickets in the pursuit of an unassailable chase, but they would push their score to an imposing 9/267 when stumps were drawn.
Gruyere would make it tough for the Tigers early with Adam Waixel making an excellent half century.
Adam Dunn would collect early wickets (2/18), whilst Ryan Smith (4/23) and Cal Ferguson (3/63) would ensure the pressure would remain for the entire innings.
With the last four wickets falling without adding to the score, Gruyere succumbed for 123 a long way from their target of 267.
That makes it four flags in five years for the Tigers with two of those in the premier grade.
DJ STRACHAN SHIELD – GRAND FINAL
Mount Evelyn 10/203 defeated Seville 10/57
RA FINGER TROPHY – GRAND FINAL
Woori Yallock 9/267 defeated Gruyere 10/123
C GRADE – GRAND FINAL
Wandin 9/98 defeated Marysville 10/20
D GRADE – SEMI FINALS
Seville 10/76 defeated by Mount Evelyn 2/80
Yarra Junction 7/131 defeated Powelltown 10/127
