By David Nagel and Russell Bennett
WGCA PREMIER DIVISION
REVIEW – PRELIMINARY FINAL
Windy conditions could not stop Kooweerup from breezing through to a staggering eighth consecutive West Gippsland Cricket Association Premier division grand final after a high-scoring preliminary final victory over Tooradin on Saturday.
The Demons piled on 9/250 from their 40 overs, thanks to a sparkling 38 from captain and opening batsman Chris Bright, and half centuries to Luke McMaster (73) and Steve Dillon (54). John Bright (5/32), brother of Chris, then ripped the heart out of the Seagulls’ top order, striking three quick blows to have the home side reeling at 3/19.
The Seagulls threatened – through fighting knocks from Josh Lownds (58), Russ Lehman (31) and Dylan Sutton (31) – but the Demons thrived when it mattered most, with spectacular catching from Matt Bright and Jess Mathers keeping the gallant Seagulls at bay.
With many competitions across the region already having wrapped up their 2020/21 campaigns, there was plenty of interest on Saturday’s proceedings at the Gulls’ nest.
All eyes were on the Demons to see whether there’d be a repeat of the stunning conclusion to the Round 12 contest against Tooradin back in February, where the home side – at the same venue – piled on about 100 runs in the final 10 overs of the clash to steal victory from the jaws of defeat.
On that day, tellingly, the Demons couldn’t bat out their full 40 overs.
But this time around, Chris Bright set the tone for a bumper total.
His dismissal – from a rank Rohan Simpson long-hop at deep mid-on by Dylan Sutton (two of Tooradin’s heroes in the side’s remarkable Round 12 chase) – came early in the 11th over at 1/65.
Though Bright’s contribution on the scoreboard was only 38 runs, it was so much more than that in real terms. He set the tone for his men to follow with positivity and confidence.
From there, McMaster and Dillon could launch.
The Gulls’ chase started shakily at best – sliding to 3/19 with skipper Cal O’Hare, Brad Butler, and Andrew Proctor already back in the sheds. O’Hare fell to what’s become a trademark screamer by Matt Bright in the gully.
But from there, Lownds, Aaron Avery (23), Lehman, and Sutton gave the home side hope.
And when Lownds fell at 5/134 after scooping a Chris O’Hara full-toss to McMaster square of the wicket, the Gulls still weren’t done yet.
With the likes of Sutton still around, the Gulls had already proven hope was still alive.
But this time around, the Demons were back to their clinical best in their finishing – taking sharp chances in the field when they arose, and bowling tighter lines and lengths to dismiss the Gulls early in the 36th over.
John Bright was a clear standout with the ball, showing some promising form at exactly the right time of the season, while Matt Bright and Mathers also showed plenty.
Kooweerup now faces arch-rival Cardinia in the first grand final meeting between the two sides since 2014/15.
The Bulls will be out for their first premiership in 12 years when they host the Demons at their home ground – E. Gunton Oval – this Saturday. This marks Kooweerup’s 12th grand final in the past 15 years. The pressure-cooker contest begins at 1pm.
