There’s been grand final fever across Melbourne’s north-west in recent weeks, as the summer sports finish up their seasons. There’s plenty of good stories from across all competitions and here are five of them.
Sunshine Heights under-17A
Sunshine Heights’ under-17A Miller team secured its second consecutive Western Region Junior Cricket Association premiership, defeating Hoppers Crossing in a grand Final thriller. Losing the toss, Heights were sent in to bowl first on a wet, dewy surface. Despite the challenging conditions, seamers Heath Lehane, Hayden Roshier and Adnan Shiyas made early inroads, each taking a wicket to leave Hoppers at 3-86 after its first turn with the bat. The Ramsey brothers, Jhett and Noah, got Heights off to a flying start with a 40-run partnership before Noah was dismissed. Jhett continued to anchor the innings, scoring 37 off 58 balls, before falling late in the day, leaving Heights at 2-87 in what was shaping up to be a tight contest. On day two, Atharv Sawant and Riyan Bhasin set the platform with a superb 80-run partnership for Heights, controlling the game before both fell in consecutive balls after scoring 46 (81) and 42 (60), respectively. Heights posted a competitive total of 9-211. Jhett Ramsey and Riyan Bhasin kept things tight with the new ball, restricting Hoppers’ scoring rate early. Heights shared the wickets with Karmann Virdi claiming the final wicket with five overs to go. Sawant was the standout performer, scoring 46 off 81 with the bat and delivering with the ball, finishing with 2-19 off seven overs.
Sunshine Heights under-13A Sandars
Sunshine Heights claimed the Western Region Junior Cricket Association mixed under-13A east premiership with a dominant win against Williamstown. Williamstown won the toss and chose to bat first. Its openers looked dangerous early, but Heights struck quickly, thanks to a run-out by Vikhyath Kolipaka, removing Williamstown’s leading run-scorer. Heights spinners controlled the game, creating pressure that led to five run-outs. Williamstown finished with 107 off 24 overs. Arjun Reddy Patlolla was economical, finishing with 1-6 off two overs. Chasing 108 for victory, captain Noah Ramsey and vice-captain Reyansh Reddy Manthena set the tone early, smashing 33 runs in the first three overs. Arjun Reddy Patlolla, Ruthwick Yarrapureddy and Shivam Sharma played handy roles, as Meet Shringarpure hit the winning runs with 10 overs remaining. Heights finished 4-111. Ramsey was player of the match after making 27 and finishing with 0-4 off his two overs and his wicketkeeping.
St Albans under-17.5s
St Albans under-17.5 team won a thrilling Western Region Junior Cricket Association division 2 premiership. The match was a thrilling contest, with the result decided in the final overs. It was a true team effort, where every player played a crucial role in securing the win. St Albans batted first before the Bulls played their innings over two days, making 9-156. Chris D’Agostin top scored with 85. Mitchell Pittaway took three wickets for the Saints. The Saints hit the winning runs in the second last over, finishing 7-157. Jonathan Peacock top scored with 41. The team featured four under-14 players, under the leadership of captain Mitchell Pittaway and coach Tyler Hubery. The club said It was the younger players who made the difference on the day, with Logan Chamberlain hitting the winning runs.
Donnybrook under-13s
The Donnybrook Stars had a big win in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association under-12 (3) Friday north-east grand final. The Stars faced Pascoe Vale Hadfield in the grand final. Batting first, the Stars made 4-157 from their 20 overs. Manraj Vir Singh finished 30 not out for the Stars off just 30 balls. The Panthers never got close, finishing 7-79. It was single wicket takers for the Stars. It was one of several grand finals for Donnybrook which has a growing junior program.
Altona Sports four XI
There were plenty of family connections as Altona Sports fourth XI claimed the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association division 13 premiership. Facing the Altona Roosters, Sports made 193 as Dean McKenzie top scored with 92 at the top of the order. The Roosters were in trouble early at 3-1. The Roosters never recovered and were bowled out for 81. Daniel Mulcahy and John Dimech took three wickets each. The side featured a group of friends some that first played together 25 years ago now playing together with their sons and nephews.
