DVCA: Diamond Creek, North Eltham work together to play game

Diamond Creek has one of its fiercest rivals to thanks for a shot at a premiership after they came together to get a game started.

Diamond Creek has its fiercest rival to thank for a shot at another premiership.

Without the support of opposition players before a ball had been bowled, Diamond Creek might not have had a shot at beating their rival for a place in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association top four.

North Eltham Wanderers players and officials packed a little extra in their kit bags on Saturday bringing super soakers to Coventry Oval in order for the game to get away.

Heading into the game, both teams had a shot at earning a place in finals action — an opportunity which was only boosted by Macleod’s loss to minor premier Riverside.

Eventually, Diamond Creek tracked down North Eltham’s 8-111 (dec) in a rain-shortened match.

Opener Jacob Ireland top scored with 39 runs from 47 balls to help settle the innings after the early loss of his opening partner and captain Dan Gilbert.

Diamond Creek director of coaching and vice-president Daniel Kingsley said it was a “great result” for his club but said plenty of the praise needed to be directed towards his side’s opposition.

“North Eltham is a fierce rival on the ground but all the boys are great mates off it,” he said.

“We had both teams dewatering the ground before we play because we were doing anything we could to ensure we got a game. There was still so much to play for.

“It’s unfortunate, but there had to be a winner and a loser. We couldn’t be more thankful to North Eltham for the way they helped us out.”

Saturday’s win means Diamond Creek’s dream of a first premiership since 2016 remains alive.

Although they’ve faced a different sort of challenge this season according to Kingsley.

“We haven’t been renowned as a one-day team in the past,” he said.

“But we wanted to prove we could match it with those top teams in a finals series.

“The ability to adapt to different situations has been our challenge throughout the year and this weekend will be no different.

“Dan has been terrific as the captain of our first XI and done a great job leading the boys.”

DVCA FINALS FIXTURE

Riverside v Heidelberg at Whatmough Park

Epping v Diamond Valley at Epping Recreation Reserve