Premiership glory for the Red Caps

C Grade, Division 1

AFTER spending the season at the top of the ladder, Nerrena wrapped up its 2024/25 season nicely with a premiership win over OMK.

The final showdown took place at Leongatha’s East Campus.

The toss went in Nerrena’s favour, and the Red Caps opted to bat first.

Captain Brian Gannon got the ball rolling with 17 runs, but the top performers were Gerard Murphy and Cameron Baudinette with 21 and 29 runs respectively.

Ben Stein finished off the innings with 14 not out.

OMK bowler Scott Anthony Handley was the main factor standing in Nerrena’s way of an easy victory.

Handley claimed 5/19 and drastically reduced Nerrena’s run rate.

Singles were claimed by Russ White, Owen Fitzpatrick, captain Jordan Myors and Brad Hayes.

Nerrena played out its allotted overs but had only made it to 9/108, which could’ve been in OMK’s reach.

OMK openers Robert Quaife and White were quickly dismissed for six runs each, but  number three batsman Fitzpatrick corrected the course and put 38 runs on the board.

This turned out to be the top score, with Handley adding 29 runs.

OMK looked threatening and as if they could catch the Red Caps.

However, the Nerrena bowlers weren’t about to let OMK have it and upped the pressure, quickly running through the bottom of the batting order.

Nerrena’s best bowler was Brendan Salmon, who took 3/13.

Shem Murphy and Baudinette took two wickets each and singles were claimed by Eamon Berryman and Gerard Murphy.

Ultimately, OMK fell short when it was bowled out 10/102 in the 34th over.

C Grade, Division 2

Thomas and Fisher storm their way to victory

CAPTAIN Dale Thomas and Clayton Fisher were the heroes of the day as they led MDU to a premiership win over Inverloch on Saturday.

After finishing third on the ladder, MDU has had a fairytale run home, defeating second-placed Phillip Island in the second semi-final and bringing it home to outplay minor premiers Inverloch in the final showdown.

The grand final clash was played out at the Inverloch Recreation Reserve. 

MDU started on its winning way with a successful toss, choosing to send the Stingrays in to bat first.

David Harris and captain Warren Stewart opened well, making 31 and 45 runs respectively.

Harris was run out by Simon McRae, and Stewart was run out by George Batten and Fisher. 

Lucas McMillan added another 41 runs to the tally before he was bowled by Fisher. 

Fifth bat Jason Smith made 15 runs for Inverloch and was not out at the end of the innings. 

For MDU, wicket-taking was shared between McRae, Craig Hoober and Fisher. 

Inverloch played out its allotted overs and was ready to defend its total of 6/151.

However, the partnership of Thomas and Fisher was all that was needed for MDU to win the day.

They opened the innings for MDU and could not be dismissed by Inverloch’s onslaught.

Thomas made 51 runs and Fisher made 90 runs.

In the 32nd over, MDU amassed 0/155 and secured the 2024/25 premiership.