Tara Murray
Twelve months is a long time in cricket with Bundoora United going from heartbreak to premiership joy in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield.
After heartbreakingly just missing out on finals last season, the Bulldogs were keen to redeem themselves this season.
They firstly made finals and then won through to the decider, against Plenty which had been the standout team all season.
The Bulldogs took control of the match on day one.
They resumed at 0-1 in reply 143.
The Bulldogs had no issues at all, chasing down the runs with ease, finishing 3-145.
Bulldogs captain Joel Thompson said it was an exciting moment for the whole club.
“It is bittersweet,” he said. “All the hard work we’ve put in and to see the result at the end.
“I’m happy for everyone. It was a really long week and I haven’t played a Saturday-Saturday grand final in a long time.
“It was a tough week, but it was really pleasing in the way that we did.”
Thompson said with all 10 wickets in hand and a deep batting line up they were full of confidence heading into day two.
He said there was a real focus of making sure they didn’t leave it up to someone else to do.
After losing an early wicket, the Bulldogs top order were able to get the job done.
They only needed 41 overs to get the runs.
Luke Joyce top scored with 52, while Thompson was at the crease when the winning runs were hit, finishing 43 not out.
“The top order got the job done,” he said. “For me personally I’ve put in a lot of hard work the last few weeks to get the result.
“It’s amazing for the side and the entire club.”
Scott Barnett was awarded man of the match for his 6-47 off 39.2 overs on day one.
Thilina Herath was the other standout with three wickets and 39 runs.
Thompson said redemption was something they had focused on during the off season.
“We spoke about it at the start of the season,” he said. “It was a bitter pill to swallow and missing out by something like 0.3 per cent.
“Even this year the last game of the year was a must a win against Banyule. It just followed from there into the two finals.”
For Thompson, who returned to his junior club a couple of seasons ago, it’s a nice feeling to give back and help those who helped develop his cricket.
The win means the Bulldogs will return to the top flight, the Barclay Shield, next season.
It’ll be there first season back in that grade since the 2015-16 season.
“It’ll be a good challenge in the top grade,” Thompson said. “We want to challenge ourselves.
“We’ll look at our list and hopefully strengthen it.”
