STRATHDALE-MARISTIANS won its first BDCA second XI premiership in 45 years when it defeated Bendigo United by 18 runs in a thrilling grand final yesterday.
After winning the toss and batting at Canterbury Park, the Suns made a solid start to be 0-31.
But the departure of Andrew Gaul (26) sparked a stunning batting collapse as the Suns lost 7-51 to be 7-82.
In the Suns’ time of need it was teenagers Rory Alexander and Brenton Conforti who produced a match-winning partnership.
They added 59 valuable runs for the eighth wicket, with Alexander making 40. Conforti was last man out for a well-made 52 as the Suns compiled a competitive 168.
Hayden McDonnell did the job with the ball for the Redbacks, taking 4-36, while Paul Podosky claimed 3-55.
Redbacks skipper David Bicknell was always going to be the key wicket for Strathdale.
The veteran left-hander looked set for a long innings yesterday, but on 31 he edged a Ben Irwin delivery to wicket-keeper Mark Arnott. The Redbacks were 4-65 at the stage and the match was evenly poised.
The experienced Ricky Mannix and youngster Pat Naughtin then looked as though they were taking the game away from Strathdale as they added 55 for the fifth wicket.
The Suns needed something special and the match-turner was teenage paceman Joel Wharton.
Wharton clean bowled Mannix for 52 and then added three more quick wickets as the Redbacks crashed from 4-120 to be 9-129.
Tailenders McDonnell and Podosky gave their side a sniff by adding 21 for the last wicket.
Fittingly, Alexander claimed the final wicket of the game when he trapped Podosky lbw for 3.
Man of the match Wharton had brilliant figures of 5-12 off 11 overs, including six maidens.
It was a special win for Strathdale preisdent Richard Murphy, who celebrated his first senior flag as a player in 29 years at the club.
Brent Yates (53) was the only Jets batsman to find form.
Behrens then made light work of the run chase, smashing 52 off 59 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Adrian Carr chipped in with an unbeaten 23 as Bendigo United won by six wickets.
Kangaroo Flat won its second under-17 premiership in three years with a 23-run win over White Hills yesterday.The Roos bowlers defended 122 on a slow outfield at the QEO.
Tyler Hinds (26), Lachlan Shelton (22) and Nathan Hamblin (20) were the mainstays of Kangaroo Flat’s innings. Opening bowler Matt Lambert (3-28) led a disciplined attack for White Hills.
In reply, the Demons were always on the back foot after losing three early wickets. Oliver Geary (22) and Rhys Irwin (16) gave their side a chance, but when they were dismissed in the space of three runs White Hills’ hopes sunk.
Man of the match Tyler Hinds claimed 2-10 for the Roos, while Lachlan Shelton and Connor Thomson picked up two wickets apiece.
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