Tara Murray
The monkey is off the back for Laurimar as it claimed an elusive premiership in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Mash Shield.
After being in the mix the last few seasons, the Power were able to put it all together on Saturday against Hurstbridge to win the grand final.
Power playing-coach Adam Drinkwell said there was a massive sense of relief following the victory.
“They don’t come about often,” he said.
“There was a huge sense of relief around the club, that we’ve finally got it done with a premiership with the first XI.
“We’ve been around the mark for the last three to four years. The monkey is off the back and we’re looking forward to being in the Money Shield next season.”
On Saturday, Hurstbridge batted first and was only able to scramble to 104, being bowled out with six balls remaining.
Skipper Joel Lovett made 47 at the top of the order, but only one other batter made double figures .
Drinkwell said the bowling group continued to do what they had been in the back half of the season.
“It was tough conditions to bat,” he said. “The outfield was slow and the conditions were set up for the bowlers.
“We took our chances and bowled as a unit. We’ve been able to bowl teams out for 100 and get all 10 wickets regularly since Christmas.
“It was a really good all round performance.”
Andrew Crook took four wickets, while Nathan Woods and Leigh Donaldson took three wickets each.
Drinkwell said they were never under pressure in the run chase, with Jake Zeralla holding the innings together.
The Power hit the winning runs in the 36th over, finishing 4-104.
Zerella, who finished 51 not out, was named man of the match.
“We never felt like there was any run rate pressure,” he said. “As long as someone in the top four batted through, we would be fine.
“Jake has a terrific and has a really good record against Hurstbridge. It was an important innings and when he was at the wicket we were always in control.”
It was a big season for the Power, with five premierships across all the grades.
For Drinkwell in his first season at the club, he couldn’t have asked for much more.
“It was a really good effort and the president was pretty ecstatic,” he said. “Just to see his reaction and that of a few others make it worth it.
“The previous coaches worked hard to set the club up, the base was there. I came in an tweaked a few things and we got some experienced players in.
“Over 100 players played senior cricket at the club this season.”
