Evan Long produced a captain’s knock to carry Kealba Green Gully to premiership glory at the weekend.
Long anchored the innings with 125 not out to play the lead role in trumping Gladstone Park and claiming the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association’s George Luscombe Shield.
Batting first after winning the toss, Kealba looked in control throughout as Long formed a formidable pairing with middle-order batsman Stephen DeFelice.
Picture gallery: Kealba Green Gully v Gladstone Park
Coming together with the score at 3-40, the talented pair combined for a 131-run partnership, with DeFelice making a vital 67.
When he departed, Gladstone took its chance to get back into the match.
Kealba slumped from 4-197 to 9-223 and it appeared that Gladstone Park’s target would be manageable.
But No.11 batsman Travis Barratt had other ideas, combining with Long for a 37-run stand to lift the score to 9-260 after the 80 overs.
On what was a tough day for his side, Gladstone Park opening bowler Jaydan Moore toiled hard for his five wickets.
Players returned to Green Gully Reserve on Sunday with Kealba picking up where it left off, and this time it was the bowlers’ turn to shine.
Andrew Webb and Jarrod Catania did the early damage, both claiming three wickets as Gladstone Park struggled, succumbing for 105 in the 38th over.
Fresh from his heroics the previous day, Long returned to the centre of the action with two wickets of his own.
Kealba claimed the premiership – its third in four years – after finishing the home and away season in second spot on the ladder, having lost just two matches for the year.
