By Tara Murray
This year was already a big year for Bacchus Marsh as it celebrated 50 years, but claiming its first Ballarat Cricket Association premiership on Sunday is the icing on the cake.
The club in just its second season in the competition, claimed the competition’s top honour as it beat Wendouree in the grand final the past two weekends.
Bulls coach Sam Crea said on Monday morning that it had been a pretty special time for the club.
He said it was one of the most successful seasons for the club.
“I had to pinch myself a couple of times,” he said. “We were in a good position after day three, needing just one wicket.
“I had some time to think about it on Saturday night. Think about what it took throughout the season and we always believed we would get the runs.
“It still feels surreal. It’s big for the Bacchus Marsh community and the supporters that come to watch.”
The Bulls led by 61 runs heading into the second weekend of play, after some strong lower order batting on the first Sunday.
Wendouree started well with the bat on Saturday and at 1-91 had set a good platform to give the Bulls a big score to chase.
As happened on the first weekend, the Bulls managed to get a role with the ball again.
Wendouree struggled to get any partnerships going and were bowled out for 209 early on the final day of play.
Crea took 6-66 for the Bulls, while Shanin Silva took three wickets.
Crea said they didn’t start the day bowling well but was happy to have kept them to that total.
“We never want away from getting back to bowling well and put the pressure back on them,” he said.
“We got some wickets and were able to restrict them. We kept bowling good balls and made them make mistakes.
It left Wendouree needing to bowl the Bulls out for less than 147 to claim the premiership.
The Bulls top order was steady and they were able to get the job done with ease, finishing 2-149.
Alex Porter finished 56 not out, while Will Lalor was 27 not out.
Crea said it’s never fun watching on the sidelines, but it was nice to see the top order get the job done.
He said it was a clinical performance which was finished off by two players who had come through the pathways at the club
The premiership comes after the Bulls women’s side claimed its first premiership a couple of weeks ago.
The men also finished runners-up in the T20 grand final.
Crea said this season exceeded all expectations. He said they just wanted to be competitive week in, week out and go from there.
Now the Bulls go from the hunter to the hunted and it’s something they are looking forward to.
“We want to be the hunted,” he said. “It’s a good thing for us.
“Rightly so at times this season we weren’t respected. They know we are the real deal now.”
