ECA: Tad Merry lifts Old Carey into Dunstan Shield grand final

Among a team of young guns it was an “experienced” bowler who helped his side move one step closer to completing a stunning rise up the Eastern Cricket Association ranks.

Old Carey are on the brink of completing a stunning rise to the top of the Eastern Cricket Association ranks.

Two seasons ago, the club was celebrating promotion to the competition’s top tier after taking out the Wright Shield.

They missed finals last season by just half a game.

But on Saturday, they’ll have a chance to take out the Dunstan Shield after winning through to the final.

Old Carey’s semi-final win over Canterbury wasn’t without tension either as it survived a collapse of 9-38 to post 9-145 from 40 overs.

But in the end, the experience of Tad Merry with 4-16 from eight overs helped to restrict Canterbury to 8-133, 12 runs shy of its target.

Old Carey captain Callum Still, who took 2-25, said Merry thrived under pressure.

“Nothing ever really flusters him,” he said.

“He’s one of the more experienced guys in our side and it was important for us he stood up when it counted.

“Tad consistently put the ball in the right area and got the rewards he deserved.”

Tad Merry was key in his side’s semi-final win. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Still’s side finished half a game clear of North Balwyn to take out the minor premiership at the end of the season.

He said the key to the improvement of his side was the young players ability to make the next step in their development.

“We’ve got a lot of talented players in our side,” he said.

“It’s been a collective effort to get to this point. I think once everyone realised and worked out their roles it really helped us settle down as a team.”

Awaiting Old Carey in this weekend’s grand final is East Doncaster who got the better of North Balwyn by seven wickets.

The minor premier won both of the games between the two sides during the home and away season.

But Still said it’s important he and his teammates didn’t get ahead of themselves.

“East Doncaster are a class cricket team,” he said.

“They’ve got a lot of terrific players especially batsmen who can take the game away from you quickly.

“The game isn’t always going to be on our terms, so when the opposition do challenge us we need to stick to our guns.”

The grand final will be played at Carey Sporting Complex from 12.30pm on Saturday.