Tara Murray
Gladstone Park might not have walked away with the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield, but are still winners.
After winning the second division last season, the Burras came up and made it through to the grand final of the competition’s top flight.
President Sam Anastasiou said they couldn’t have been prouder of the players this season. He said they couldn’t have imagined the success they’ve had at the start of the season.
“It’s a good result for the club, first year back in the A-grade competition,” he said. “The firsts and seconds in the grand final up from B-grade.
“We have good relationships and everyone wants to be here. There’s no animosity and everyone wants to be at Gladstone Park.
“It makes it easier for someone else wanting to come to Gladstone Park.”
In the Luscombe Shield grand final, Buckley Park finally broke through to claim the premiership.
Buckley Park batted first and made the best of the conditions, making 9-357 off its 80 overs.
The Burras shared the wickets.
Anastasiou said it was hard work on day one.
“It was hot and windy which made it hard for the guys. They had their moments.”
Anastasiou said they were still full of confidence heading into day two and were hoping to make the most of playing on a small ground.
The Burras were bowled out for 225.
Wayne Telford and Rahul Mall made 45 apiece in the run chase.
In the second XI’s grand final, the Burras made 134, bowled out in the 55th over.
The Chargers hit the winning runs in the 45th over, finishing 5-150.
Anastasiou said they needed another 30-40 runs to have made it a more competitive run chase.
He criticised the pitch saying it wasn’t up to standard and they shouldn’t have played at that ground.
While the season has only just ended, Anastasiou said they already have their eye on the future.
“We’re looking at hopefully going one better,” he said.
“We’ve also been eyeing off eventually going to the VTCA [Victorian Turf Cricket Association] in a couple of years.
“It’s hard to be competitive for players with so many turf teams around. It’s exciting, we just have to find the right support to get there.”
