West Torrens tops Tea Tree Gully to claim SACA Premier Cricket title

A dominant batting performance delivered West Torrens a second SACA Premier Cricket title this season, as it claimed the two-day premiership over Tea Tree Gully.

West Torrens has claimed the SACA Premier Cricket two-day premiership after a dominant display from one of its most reliable batters.

With openers Kelvin Smith and Bailey Capel all falling early on Saturday, it was Ryan Gibson who stood up to deliver the club its second title of the season, the Eagles having defeated Glenelg in the one-day grand final last month.

Gibson, who played through a broken thumb, dug deep to make a brilliant 103 runs during his side’s innings, with captain Daniel Drew (43) and Warren Peters (65) adding importantly to the Eagles’ declared 281-run total.

Ryan Gibson’s century was integral to West Torrens’ premiership win. Picture: Simon Stanbury

The West Torrens bowling attack then ripped through Tea Tree Gully’s order late Saturday and half of Sunday to record a 93-run win.

Spencer Johnson took three wickets and Daniel Fallins took four, including that of Adam Somerfield who scored a handy 61 runs for the Bulls.

Eagles coach Mark Harrity was thrilled with his team’s effort.

“It’s a great feeling. It’s been a long season with a lot of obstacles and to the boys’ credit, they’ve pulled it off and won both the one-day and two-day premierships,” Harrity said.

Warren Peters scored a valuable 65 runs to add to West Torrens’ strong opening total. Picture: Simon Stanbury

“Our decision to declare couldn’t have gone better and Ryan Gibson – who is a really quality cricketer – showed up big time for us again after doing the same in the one-day grand final.”

Harrity admitted he was slightly concerned during the Sunday morning session, as the higher placed Tea Tree Gully only needed a draw to claim the premiership.

“To be honest I was a bit worried because we had to manage a lot of our guys through the game and we had a few fielders pick up slight injuries too,” he said.

“Tea Tree Gully held firm for a while there to their credit but thankfully we pulled through once again.”

Tea Tree Gully bowler Thomas Barrett celebrates one of his two wickets for the match. Picture: Simon Stanbury

West Torrens put together a strong run of performances after winning the one-day grand final over Glenelg to scrape into finals, remaining undefeated from that point on.

Harrity said the key to the team’s remarkable success was its chemistry.

“Any successful team, and it would be the same for Tea Tree Gully, has a close bond on and off the ground,” he said.

“It’s about the togetherness and I can’t speak more highly about all the guys. They’re great players and teammates and having the success to show for it is fantastic.”