Tara Murray
There was a sense of disbelief after Sydenham-Hillside claimed the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1 premiership.
The grand final against St Francis de Sales was ones of ebbs and flows, which could have easily gone either way.
But the experience of the Storm, which have now won four premiership in five seasons, showed through to seal the premiership.
Coach Geoff Pretty said there was a numb feeling after the game.
“I’m really happy for the boys, they’ve worked hard and they deserve it,” he said.
“St Francis were sensational. We were a lucky winner and they were an unlucky loser.
“They took it to us all day and I can’t give them enough praise.”
St Francis batted on day one of the match, making 9-230 from its overs. Aaron Maynard top scored with 64.
Anthony Allleyne took four wickets for the Storm, while Damith Priyadarshana took two wickets.
Pretty said they expected to have to chase a decent score.
“They are a really disciplined side and I said to the guys before the game it will be a tough run chase.
“We thought on our ground that it wasn’t the highest score that we should be able to chase it down, but they took it right to us.”
The Storm started well and was 0-56. It lost two quick wickets, before going from 2-108 to 5-108.
Skipper Dylan Knight stepped up along with Stefon King to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
But at 8-192, another premiership didn’t look likely.
“I’ve played and coached enough sport that I know it’s not over until the last wicket or the last run,” Pretty said.
“We said at tea to just get a partnership and change the momentum. We were able to put the pressure back on them.”
The Storm hit the winning runs in the second last over, finishing 8-233. King made 45 not out, while Knight made 40.
Ishan Peiris top scored with 50 at the top of the order.
King was named player of the match.
Pretty said King made the most of his chance to show what he can do with the bat.
“He hasn’t had much chance to bat,” he said. “He wanted a chance earlier in the season and Dylan was similar.
“Our top order had been making runs, so it made it hard for them to get opportunities.”
Pretty also made mention of Tim Grech.
Grech made 20 not out, including hitting two sixes, to help get the side over the line. Pretty said Grech is the heart and soul of the club.
The premiership means that the Storm will be in senior division next season.
Pretty said it was a remarkable feat for the club to go from division 4 seven seasons ago when they joined the competition, to the top division next year.
“I couldn’t have predicted winning two premierships in a row since I took over as coach,” he said.
“I’m spoilt to be given the opportunity to coach these guys and now call them my friends.
“I’m really proud of their efforts all year, especially today. They never give up and it showed out there.”
