Mernda is back in the top grade of Diamond Valley cricket after a thumping win against Banyule in the Money Shield grand final on Saturday.
After a delayed start to the second day because of a ruptured water pipe at Lower Eltham Park, Banyule began at 2-13 chasing 207 for victory. Jarrod Carlson had made 99 in Mernda’s 206 on day one.
Demons bowler Paul Baker, who had already taken one wicket, grabbed three more as Banyule slumped to 8-43.
A partnership of 38 slowed Mernda’s run towards victory before Baker took the last two wickets and Banyule was bowled out for 85.
Baker finished with 6-11 from 17.3 overs, with 10 maidens. Cameron Hatcher took two wickets.
In the B-grade competition, Whittlesea overcame the loss of early wickets before defeating Macleod to take out the premiership.
After losing two wickets late on day one and still needing 113 for the win, Whittlesea lost Nathan Gardiner, Harry Hicks and Tharindu Thusan early on day two to be 5-49.
Andrew Nicholls and Andrew Bolt steadied the innings to take the score to 77, before Nicholls lost his wicket.
Bolt, who top-scored with 31, got his side to within three of victory before being caught.
Whittlesea made the runs and finished its innings on 7-139.
