Woodend’s first XI claimed its first title since 2003-04 but already has its eyes on more glory in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
Woodend became the inaugural winner of the GDCA McIntyre Cup one day title on Sunday, convincingly beating Romsey at Romsey Park.
Coach Josh Eastley said it was a good feeling to claim the title.
“It’s one out of two that we are targeting,” he said. “We’re going to enjoy it and we celebrate every win.
“The job isn’t done and we have our eye on the prize at the end of the year, that’s the one we want to win.
“We’ll now go again and focus on the end of the year.”
Woodend won the toss and decided to bat in hot conditions.
It had a solid start and were 1-54 at the first drinks, before being 5-120 at the 30 over mark.
It finished the 45 overs, 9-200 with Warren Else top scoring with 59.
Eastley said they were happy with anything above 200.
“If we had 250 we would have been really confident,” he said. “It was runs on the board which are important in a final.”
Eastley said the big key for them was getting the wicket of his opposite number Ben Way, who came in at number three.
They were able to do that and had Romsey in trouble at 4-36.
“We were able to keep getting regular wickets,” Eastley said. “I don’t know what they got, but we kept the pressure on.
“We just focused on the next ball and we didn’t think it was over until we got the 10th wicket.”
Romsey was bowled out for 143.
Else claimed 3-34 and was named the Sean Huddle Medallist.
Eastley said Else just keeps going and going.
“I think he was the only player on the ground to have played against Sean,” he said. “He keeps getting it done for us and is the evergreen elf.
“He got us through the middle and got us to 200.
“I can not thank him enough for me as a coach. I fall back on those experienced guys.”
It was two from two on the weekend for Woodend as it got the job done in the regular competition on Saturday against Macedon.
Chasing 202, Woodend made 7-342 with skipper Marcus Stewart making 110.
“We got the win and Romsey got over Gisborne, so we are in top spot,” Eastley said.
“Gisborne, Romsey and Woodend are fighting out the top two and are really competitive.
“Hopefully we can lock in a top two spot and a home final.”
Woodend will host the Sunbury Kangaroos the next two Saturdays, with the second Saturday the club’s Pink Stumps day.
Tickets are still available.
In other McIntyre Cup games on Saturday, Romsey beat Gisborne in a final over thriller.
Needing 287, Romsey hit the runs with four balls remaining, finishing 9-290.
Sunbury United had a good win against Broadford and Rupertswood returned to the winners list against the Sunbury Kangaroos.
