Tara Murray
It was tense final day of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season, but Craigieburn was able to do enough to survive in the top flight.
The Eagles needed to beat local rival Westmeadows in the final round and hope results went their way.
They were able to tick off the first bit and then it was a waiting game to see whether the Druids would beat Keilor to go back above them.
“As soon as we finished we were in the rooms huddled around a couple of phones watching the Keilor game and that was it.”
Adding to the Eagles nerves. the Blues won with one ball remaining.
Pappin knew they would be in for a tough fight against the Warriors, with the two teams building up a bit of a rivalry the last few years.
Pappin said it was a match that was always hard to tell how they would go.
The Warriors batted first after being sent in and were bowled out for 130.
Pappin said they were unsure whether to bat or ball if they won the ross, but made the right call in the end
“We got pretty constant wickets early and the bowlers led by James Portou did a fantastic job and got them out for a low total.”
Portou, Chameera Perera and Kane Murfett took three wickets each.
Pappin said while only chasing a low score, it was one that would take some composure to get.
“If you’re chasing a bigger score you have to go after it,” he said.
“We got off a slow start but knew we had the power at the end.”
Callan Tisher top scored with 50.
The win moved the Eagles above the Druids in the top flight and ensured they would play senior division next season.
Pappin said it was massive for the club.
“It’s a huge moment for the club especially going forward.” he said. “We all want to play in senior division and the key was staying up.
“We’ll take some positives out of the Westmeadows game. They were last year [meant] to be relegated and there were knocking on the door of finals.”
Pappin said they would look to try and bring some more local into the side next season to help strengthen the side.
He said having struggled this season they had been able to play some younger kids this season which would also benefit them long term.
The loss left Westmeadows finish in seventh, a game outside the top four.
