Malmsbury claimed the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield seconds premiership, just holding off Rupertswood in Saturday’s grand final.
Rupertswood, which finished on top of the ladder, went in favourites on its home deck, but Malmsbury had other ideas.
There had been just three points between the teams at the end of the regular season, with the teams splitting the matches between them.
After winning the toss in warm conditions, Malmsbury made 7-194 from its overs with skipper Matt Cox top scoring with 82 at the top of the order.
Malmsbury set the total up early as it managed to be 2-133 before losing some late wickets as it aimed to pile on the runs later on.
Antonio Alameh, Joshua Harris and Sashika Angelo Silva took two wickets each for Rupo.
Malmsbury got some early wickets to put the pressure back on Rupo and not let it get settled in the run chase.
At 6-120, Malmsbury was on top but Rupo’s lower order fought hard to keep it in the game.
The late fightback fell short as it finished 8-181 from its 40 overs,
Jay Vij top scored with 38 not out off 25 balls for Rupertswood after coming in at number eight.
Cox completed an outstanding game, finishing with 3-44 off eight overs to be the pick of the bowlers for Malmsbury.
It had been a couple of seasons since Malmsbury had tasted premiership success.
Malmsbury last won premierships in 2019-20 and 2020-21 as it went back-to-back in division 1.
In other premierships decided on Saturday, Woodend claimed the Jensen Shield thirds as it accounted for the Sunbury Kangaroos.
Gisborne won the club north grade with a big win against Gisborne, while Harkness continued a tough day for Rupertswood as it beat it in the club south grand final.
