Tara Murray
The hard work continues to pay off for Sunshine YCW with the club’s top two sides through to Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 grand finals.
The YCW’s top side upset the minor premiers Donnybrook in an absolute thriller to win through to the grand final, while the second XI beat Burnside Springs United.
President Shaun Janetzki was on the other side of the country, but was busy following the live scores and the fate of both teams.
“Two grand finals are coming up next week,” he said. “We think the last time we had the top two sides in the grand final together was back in 2001-02.
“It’s a testament to all the hard work that everyone has done. Lachie [Lewin] the coach has put in a lot of work as has Mark Schwartz.
“We’ve had a new committee this year… It’s been nice to see the hard work paying off.
“We’ve got an influx of players, some from the football club and the comradery is there, they’re really getting around each other. It’s a great place to be.”
In the Russell Pollock Shield, the YCWs restricted Donnybrook to 162, bowling it out in the 73rd over. It was Donnybrook’s first final series in the VTCA.
Vice-captain Matthew Williams took 5-86 to be the pick of the bowlers for the YCW’s.
The YCWs got off to a good start with the bat and at 1-96 were in complete control of the game.
From there it crumbled to 8-139.
Janetzki said there were a few nervous moments.
“At 8-139 I was like come on guys and the same at 8-148,” he said. “Once I saw the scores were level I knew that we have this.”
Jakob O’Neill top scored with 52 from the YCWs.
The YCWs will face Seabrook in the grand final, after it upset Burnside Springs United in its first finals appearance in the VTCA.
Seabrook made 181 as it was bowled out in the 60th over with Burnside falling just short, bowled out for 168.
Janetzki said there was plenty of mixed emotions ahead of this weekend.
“We’ve excited and a little bit nervous at the same time,” he said. “Anything can happen in finals.
“We played Donnybrook which was the top team and beat them outright a couple of weeks ago at our ground and our attitude was we were going to beat them at their ground.
“Hopefully we’ll have a couple of favourable results next week.”
The YCWs second XI will host Jacana in its grand final.
