Tara Murray
Macedon knew that if it made finals it would be a good chance to go all the way in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield grand final.
Having only sealed their finals in the final round of the season, the Cats had a solid semi final win to get back to face Romsey in the decider for a second straight season.
There would be no repeat of last season, with the Cats claiming the premiership.
Cats coach Tim Berzins said it was an unbelievable feeling to have claimed the silverware.
“We started to get that continuity towards the end of the season,” he said.
“We got players back and we have quality players at the club. We got the right calibre of players together at the right time and it clicked.”
The Cats batted first after winning the toss, making 167, bowled out in the 75th over.
Chris Axton top scored with 36, while Chad Walker made 33.
Daniel Paterson took five wickets for the Redbacks.
Berzins said while the score was under par on that pitch, they believed that they had the bowling line up to get the job done.
He said it was always a tough match against Romsey and they expected a big challenge.
Matty Williams would be the star of the show for the Cats with the ball, destroying the Redbacks batting line up. The Redbacks were eventually bowled out for 91 in the 41st over.
Williams finished with an amazing 7-39 off his 19 overs.
Berzins said Williams was the recruit of the season.
“He bowled 19 overs straight and took for 7-40 odd,” he said.
“He’s been massive for us and the pick up of the season He would go well in any competition.
“He moved to Macedon and fell in our laps. He’s been a massive asset for us.”
It was no surprise that Williams was named man of the match.
The win will have the Cats back in the McIntyre Cup next season. The Cats were last in the top grade in 2011-12 when they won just two games.
Berzins said it was huge for the club to have the opportunity to be back in the top flight. The club’s women’s side also won the premiership.
“Every senior side in the club made finals,” he said. “There’s plenty of talent and depth throughout the sides and we want to harness that, especially the youth.
“We had 22 players in the first XI. We have the calibre to grow and develop the younger players in the right way.
“We can allow them to take over when they’re ready to take over and not rush them too soon.”
