FOR all that’s been made of Bendigo United captain Leigh McDermott’s winning of tosses this season, this was one in hindisght that he would have preferred to lose.
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For the 12th time in 14 games this season McDermott won the BDCA grand final toss on Saturday and, not surprisingly, chose to bat against Eaglehawk.
What unfolded for the Redbacks was a tough day at the crease against an Eaglehawk bowling line-up that kept the heat on all day.
From 7-93 in the 54th over, the Redbacks scrounged their way to 9-158, largely thanks to a 40-run partnership between Harry Donegan (40) and Jake Thrum (17).
It was a score that at least had the Redbacks in the game, but it wasn’t enough as the Hawks chased their target down in 71 overs on Sunday, finishing at 7-159.
“In hindsight it would have been a great toss to lose, but you’re going to bat first in a grand final and they were going to do the same,” McDermott said.
“The wicket was a lot flatter today than what it was yesterday, but had we been able to get another 30 or so more, who knows. We did well to get to 160-odd after one stage looking like we could be knocked over for 100.
“Harry and Thrumy were exceptional with their partnership, but unfortunately, we weren’t good enough and full credit to Eaglehawk.
“To have Eaglehawk 6-102 today, it could have been anyone’s game at that stage and we were right in it, but East (Zac East) and Fitt (Matt Fitt) had that key partnership.
“It hurts a lot to be beaten today and I’m sure it will give us plenty of motivation for next season.”
