Sedgwick is still searching for that elusive first premiership after losing to Axe Creek by 34 runs in last year’s grand final.

“We’ve got a better side this year with some good recruits, so we’re pretty confident about our chances,” Sedgwick captain Scott McKenzie said yesterday.

“We’ll back our players and I think we’ve got the team capable of doing it this year.

“Our bowlers have done the job this season, and if we can get our batting right we’re a chance of getting a big score.”

Sedgwick ended the season on top of the ladder, winning 10 of 13 games, including a tight 10-run win over Spring Gully in round 10.

The side has had an even spread of contributors with bat and ball.

Sedgwick has six players who have made more than 200 runs for the season, headed by top-order batsman Nathan Power with 564 at an average of 62.67.

And with the ball, Sedgwick has seven players who have taken 10 or more wickets, including Mark Lamprell, who has the season’s best figures of 7-57 off 15 overs against West Bendigo in an outright win in round four.

Sedgwick qualified for this weekend’s grand final after defeating Marong by 35 runs in their semi-final last week.

After missing the finals last season, Spring Gully is vying for its first premiership since 2005-06 when it defeated Marong to cap an undefeated season.

Spring Gully won through to the grand final after a remarkable semi-final win over United at Ewing Park last week.

After bowling United out for 51 in the first innings, Spring Gully was then dismissed for just 35.

With the game then going to a second innings United made 103, leaving Spring Gully to chase 120 off 27 overs for victory, which it did, winning on the second-last ball eight wickets down.

“The good thing out of last week was we lost a final on the first innings; it was pretty gut-wrenching to finish the day last Saturday having lost at that stage,” Spring Gully captain Shaun Makepeace said.