Tara Murray
Malmsbury snuck home in consecutive thrillers to secure back-to-back premierships in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association division 1 competition.
Malmsbury won its semi final against Woodend in the last over of the match and its grand final against Bacchus Marsh was just as close.
A four off the second ball of the last over was enough for Malmsbury to secure the premiership.
Malmsbury president Garry Nicholls said it was an awesome feeling for the club.
“We won last year as well, but we call it the COVID cup, as we won it as we finished on top and never played the grand final.
“Apart from that, this is our first premiership in the GDCA.”
Nicholls and others were on the edge of their seats during the grand final against Bacchus Marsh.
The Bulls made 7-140 off their 40 overs with David Dickinson top scoring with 38.
Parminder Singh took two wickets for Malmsbury.
Nicholls said the match was close throughout the whole run chase.
“Chasing 140 isn’t a lot, but it’s enough when you have to get them. It was really nerve racking.
“We got one off the first ball of the last over and then a four off the second to win the match.”
Skipper Matt Cox top scored with 43, while man of the match Tom Logan chipped in with a handy 41 not out to help secure the win.
Nicholls said the premiership was not in their minds after a disastrous start to the season.
“We lost our first seven games and were on the bottom of the ladder,” he said.
“We then turned it around. We won eight in a row and got it together.
“Matt Cox missed early matches and he is worth 50-60 runs each week. Everyone lifted and we brought a couple of kids up from the lower grade.”
Nicholls said they would love the challenge of going up a grade next season to test themselves against stronger competition.
He said they were also looking to get a junior side back up and running after COVID-19 meant they didn’t have one this season.
Malmsbury cricketers will be kept busy in the winter months, with the formation of the Malmsbury Baseball Club which will play in a Bendigo competition.
The baseball club has been born out of the cricket club and seeking to continue to do something all year round.
