By Tara Murray
A welcome little boost in the form of Facebook memories was just what was needed for Mernda to help spurn to it the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Mash Shield premiership.
The Demons entered the grand final against Rivergum as underdogs and after day one were on the back foot.
Demons’ Shane McCarter said they knew they had it all in front of them and took it in their stride.
On the morning of the match, they discovered it was the anniversary of another part of history.
“It was 10 years to the day that we had won our last first XI flag,” McCarter said. “It was a good surprise when we saw the Facebook memories on the morning of the game.
“There were three guys in the last flag and we’ve been through some pretty dark days the past few years.
“To have some success is so special.”
Captain-coach Callum Dean, who has left and since returned to the club, Stuart Wright, who has been a long serving player and committee member were part of that last premiership.
Chris Smith is the third, having come into the senior side late this season after the Demons wicketkeeper broke his hand in the last game of the regular season.
McCarter said during the week they spoke about knowing if they bowled well that they could get the job done.
“We were in a relaxed mood,” he said. “We were the underdogs as Rivergum has been good all year.
“It was a great opportunity to do something special and there was no pressure.”
The Demons bowlers executed the game plan perfectly on Saturday.
The Kookas were 2-28 and quickly slipped to 7-56 as the Demons tore through their batting line up.
The Kookas lower order also struggled to get going and they were bowled out for just 81 in the 54th over.
“We stuck to the plan,” McCarter said. “A score of 140 could have been enough or not been enough.
“The way we bowled was sensational.”
Lachlan Taylor took 4-23 off 25 overs and was named player of the match. McCarter said he had a sensational finals series.
Michael Edwards also took three wickets, with a big future ahead of the 19-year-old.
McCarter said it was that next generation that was starting to show the way.
The win was the Demons third this season against the Kookas, which also happened to be the Kookas only three losses for the season.
McCarter said it was strange how it had worked out.
“We saw them as the benchmark,” he said. “Matt Perri made 1000 runs and we have not seen that in a long time or ever.”
The Demons will return to the Money Shield next season.
McCarter said they are looking forward to it.
“We have a very young group,” he said. “They won’t take a backward step and we will put our best foot forward.”
