Tara Murray
Macedon stormed home late in the season to claim the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield.
Having a slow start to the season, the Cats found their groove and entered the finals having not lost in 2021.
They beat East Sunbury in the semi finals, to set up a grand final clash with the minor premiers, Romsey.
The grand final would be a thriller, with the match going down to the final over.
Cats captain Daniel Trotta said they had taken a lot of confidence into the grand final despite being the underdog.
“It was a topsy turvy year and we were able to come good and finish on a high,” he said.
“We didn’t start the year well as we had a new pitch put in and had a few issues with it. We played our first two or three home games at Woodend.
“Once we got back home at our ground, we felt a bit more confident and all played much better.
“We didn’t lose this year and had more consistency. Romsey were the benchmark team all season and we knew we had a game on our hands.
“They finished on top for a reason.”
Romsey started well with the bat and looked in control early on.
Trotta said the good start made it stressful early on, but things soon settled.
“Our bowlers got back on top after a few good middle overs and tied the scoring down.”
Romsey made 7-138 from its overs.
Gabriel Yow Yeh, Nathan Aikman and Brendon Scott took two wickets each for the Cats.
The Cats started well with the bat better losing two quick wickets. They would be on pace for much of the innings.
They got within three runs of the win, when Chris Axton went out, to add to the nerves.
Darcy Doyle and Gareth De Rosayro were able to get the job done, with the Cats finishing 6-140 with five balls remaining.
“It was very stressful and I couldn’t look at times,” said Trotta.
“I was a bit nervous, but I was confident in the boys at the same time.”
Chris Ingleton top scored with 30 at the top of the order, while Scott and Todd Coppin chipped in with 29 apiece.
Scott was named player of the match.
The premiership is the Cats second Jensen Shield title in three seasons.
It will likely see them promoted into the Johnstone Shield for next season. After struggling in that division last season, Trotta believes they can be more competitive this time round.
“It was a fairly decent step up to Johnstone Shield,” he said.
“We lost a few premiership players and we didn’t have a good year. We finished second bottom and it was a disappointing season.
“Dropping back down was good and we had a few more people available this season. I think we can be competitive in Johnstone Shield, depending on how the team looks.
“Hopefully we go out and pick up some new players and get a few more players back as well.”
