Bill West
In one of the best Gisborne District Cricket Association grand finals for many years, Romsey fought tooth and nail to overcome Sunbury United in a tense and absorbing McIntyre Cup grand final spread over Saturday and Sunday.
Celebrations in Romsey are likely to be extended, with the club capturing its first McIntyre Cup/A-grade flag since beating Bulla Village 40 years ago by one wicket in a match which went into the fourth day.
Romsey, led by ex-Melbourne player and former Victorian Country captain Ben Way, was runner-up last season, and this time made amends despite losing the first qualifying final against Bacchus Marsh.
The Redbacks secured a semi-final spot as the ‘best lucky loser’ and proceeded to absolutely demolish top-of-the-ladder Gisborne in a the semi-final, then taking on the high scoring Sunbury United lineup in the grand final.
This was played at United’s No. 2 oval at Langama Park in Sunbury, with the home club keen to try and gain yet another major flag in its 50th year since formation.
The ground surface was green, and very slow, with most boundaries scored via the airborne route.
Winning the toss, Romsey elected to bat and runs came at a trickle before Chris Burkett as caught for 11; then a bizarre run out followed up by a brilliant direct hit from a Sandhu Throw saw Matty Milne and Nathan Hoy back in the pavilion cheaply.
From 3/33, Way and Tim Dale took the tally to 64 before the latter was caught behind for 11, putting United well on top.
BIG PARTNERSHIP
Then came the match saving fifth wicket partnership between Way and allrounder Taylor Stevenson, who ultimately deserved his Man of the Match accolade.
They took no risks and scored some cheap singles as United looked to protect the boundary. It was riveting cricket with the partnership yielding 109 runs before Way was stumped for 67 from 151 balls, one of his slowest but most valuable innings in his time with the Redbacks.
Stevenson showed his worth yet again by top scoring 68 (five fours) from 158 deliveries and being the ninth wicket to fall.
The total of 199 was equivalent to much more, perhaps 260, on a faster surface, and Way said this was certainly competitive in the circumstances, with a varied attack ready to go on Sunday.
United paceman Rajitha Mendis was outstanding with 4-48 from 24.3 overs, and Ranaweera claimed 4-13 late in the innings.
Speculation was rife about what would unfold on Sunday, and century maker Ranaweera showed his intentions with two fours and a six early before being dismissed by Aaron Paterson.
A very slow second-wicket stand produced 46 runs, but Romsey’s bowlers managed to push the run rate up over four runs an over.
Corey Day’s first ball produced a vital wicket and Paterson followed up with another before United skipper Upul Fernando and Damien Edwards survived until the tea break. It was still anyone’s match.
Fernando looked dangerous before Jamie Taylor removed Edwards for a patent 64 (five fours).
United needed a big partnership but it didn’t happen; a couple of hard chances were missed and Redbacks’ supporters became more vocal with the scent of victory appearing.
The key wicket came when Stevenson had Fernando caught for 49 off Stevenson at long-on by Hoy – who had also caught Gisborne captain Jarryd Vernon in the semi-final.
“I just wanted to make sure I didn’t spill it,” Hoy said later.
The very next ball, Milne caught a mishit and the match was over, with enthusiastic bedlam breaking at as Romsey players and spectators embraced on the ground.
Forty years was worth waiting for!
Speaking at the after-match presentations, GDCA president Richard Bayly described the grand final as “a great match”, praising both side for their efforts.
Fernando thanked his players, and said Romsey had been “too good”.
GDCA life member Gary Sanders presented the Man of the Match award to Stevenson, and each premiership player received a cherished medallion.
TIME TO CATCH UP ON SLEEP
Ben Way said later he had spent a week with little sleep, waking up at various stages on the family’s free range egg farm at Springfield and thinking about the implications of the grand final.
He said the match had ebbed and flowed, but applying pressure with the ball and in the field was the key to Romsey’s approach on Sunday.
Way particularly singled out Stevenson for praise in his mature batting on the Saturday, and said former captain Chris Burkett had played a major role in Romsey’s revival after the club had been in a position where its place is in McIntyre Cup had appeared shaky some seasons ago.
He also acknowledged the strong support from his family.
Romsey won the flag with all local players, several who have come through the ranks and improved immensely.
From club president James Collins down, the grand final win is a crowning glory for the Redbacks this season, despite its other two senior sides going down in grand finals.
Footnote: In the grand final Romsey won against Bulla Village 40 years ago, 16-year-old leg-spinner Peter McIntyre took five wickets in the first innings. He would go on to take 320 wickets for Victoria and South Australia in a first-class career that included two Tests for Australia.
Rob McIntyre, former GDCA president, said the win had “taken the monkey” off the back of the side, which was being talked about as the club’s last elite premiership side from 40 years ago.
