Tara Murray
There were more than a few nervous moments for Sunshine YCW on Saturday afternoon.
The YCWs needed to win their final round match against Melton Centrals and hope results went their way to play finals in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield.
The YCWs did the first part of the job with a convincing win against Melton Centrals and then it was a waiting game.
“Anything can happen on the final day,” said secretary Rory O’Connor. “Everyone was on tender hooks.
“There were two games that we needed to go our way and they were the two games where there was no live scoring.
“One of our guys lives with someone that plays for Jacana. He got the word they had won.
“It was the Jacana game that ensured that we got into fourth spot, we were ecstatic there for a while.
“We had a function last night and everyone was smiling and laughing and quite excited.”
Having just missed out on finals last season, there was a completely different feeling for the group on Saturday.
O’Connor said there was a lot of belief in the group and they were really close.
Against Melton Centrals, the YCWs put out a strong all round performance to beat the bottom side.
Centrals were bowled out for just 107, with Matthew Williams the pick of the bowlers with 4-29, while Heshan Umendrea took 3-8 off his 6.5 overs.
The YCWs openers got them off to a flier, making 73 for the opening partnership. With the platform set they were able to chase down the runs, finishing 3-111.
Usman Quddusi top scored with 52.
The YCWs now face minor premiers Donnybrook in the semi finals for a spot in the grand final.
Burnside Springs United will face Seabrook in the other semi final, both Saturday-Sunday matches.
O’Connor said they know they have a challenge ahead of them.
“Anything can happen in finals,” he said. “We got a reverse outright against them a couple of weeks ago that we can make anything happen.
“They are a good side and they will probably be feeling pretty confident heading into finals after their season.”
The YCWs second XI is also playing finals.
Things off the field are going well for the club with a number of re-signings headed by captain-coach Lachie Lewin.
O’Connor said the re-signings showed they were on track with what they were doing.
“From a committee point of view, we’ve been doing a lot of work to create a club that people want to come to.
“One of the metrics of success is re-signing these guys. They are enjoying it.
“Who knows where this can end.”
