Craigieburn is the toast of Victorian Turf Cricket Association north-west A1 after a strong, all-round performance secured the Eagles the premiership.
The grand final unfolded in a very similar manner to many of this season’s Eagles games this season – including their semi-final.
They bowled and fielded well, but had their ups and downs with the bat – but they came out on top.
The Eagles needed early wickets on day three to secure a vital first-innings lead.
Glenroy resumed at 8-108, still 61 runs behind the Eagles.
The Eagles got the best possible start with a run-out ending Nick Pantland’s time at the crease. Daniel English got his fifth wicket without addition to the score to end Glenroy’s innings on 118.
Having a first-innings lead, the Eagles were intent on batting as long as possible in their second dig.
Rain ended play early on day three with the Eagles on 7-148 and holding a lead of 198.
English, fresh from leading the bowling, led the way with the bat, with the Eagles eventually bowled out for 193 early on day four.
That left Glenroy needing 245 for victory – a target to which never got close.
Jacob McKinnon was the only batsmen to look likely – and when he was gone for 42, the match was all but done.
Glenroy managed to put on another 43 runs, but victory was sealed for the Eagles when David Garvin got the wicket of Pantland and Glenroy was bowled out for 117.
Eagles skipper Ian Blanchett said there was something special about this season and the way the players had clicked.
He said they felt they had won every session in a grand final that capped off a brilliant season.
“There was such an amazing cohesion with our boys this season,” he said.
“We just fought hard, we batted, fielded and bowled well all year. We had our ups and downs with the bat, but with the ball I’d back our boys any day to defend anything.
“Everyone was doing their job properly. When people play their roles and do basics well, we win a lot of games. “
The Eagles’ grand final performance was notable for its all-round character.
English was named man of the match for his eight wickets and 49 runs in the second innings, but he was well supported.
Blanchett scored his highest total of the season in the first innings and took two second-innings wickets, Ali Kathawala scored 42 in the second innings and Adam Davies made handy knocks in both innings.
Sikander Sharma made runs early in the match, while Bury was dangerous with the ball.
Many of the players have been together for a long time – Blanchett said eight of the 11 players had come through the Craigieburn ranks.
Two, Samuel Laffan and Brodie Warren, returned from Premier Cricket clubs during the season to play vital roles in the win.
“We just dug deep – it means a lot to the boys,” he said.
“Myself, Ali, and Sikander are probably the only ones that haven’t come through juniors here.
“Sammy and Brodie were vital – their energy and professionalism … they went about it the right way.
“We were electric in the field all year, adding those two in. They didn’t get 50s, 100s or ‘five-fas’, but they filled spots.”
