Adam Renwick, Zach Pett lead Heidelberg into DVCA grand final against Riverside

A Heidelberg bowler produced the “best spell of the season” to put his side one win away from a premiership before a teammate showed nerves of steel.

You can hear the pride in Heidelberg captain Justin Whitcher’s voice when he speaks about his side’s preliminary win against Epping.

Whitcher’s side moved through to the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield grand final following a “tense” five-run win.

Heidelberg posted Epping 171 for victory on the back of Whitcher’s 55-run performance after the skipper helped his side recover from 4-55 when Lachlan Biggs was dismissed for 26.

It was then the bowlers who thrived under pressure to deliver their side the chance of a third premiership in four seasons.

At the end of play it was the efforts but it was the efforts of Adam Renwick and Zach Pett which caught the headlines.

Renwick finished with 1-8 from nine overs in what Whitcher described as the “best spell of the season”.

Meanwhile, Pett faced the pressure of bowling the game’s final over with Epping still needing 10 runs to win.

He delivered the wicket of BJ McKeown, 12 runs of 14 balls, who appeared likely to snatch the game away from Heidelberg.

Biggs and wicketkeeper Lachlan Turner combined for a run out earlier in the over to swing the momentum back in their side’s favour.

“As the end of the game got closer it became a matter of working out who would bowl next,” Whitcher said.

“Zach was more than happy to take the ball because he doesn’t lack any confidence in those situations. He didn’t get a ball wrong and I couldn’t be more pleased with how he handled himself.

“We also had three run outs for the innings which was a testament to our fielding because it’s something we pride ourselves on.”

Heidelberg teammates and brothers-in-law Zach Pett and Andrew Fotinopoulos after the game. Photo: Facebook.

Although Andrew Fotinopoulos was the pick of the bowlers 3-40 from nine overs.

“He’s made massive strides this season,” Whitcher said.

“He always wants the ball in his hands which you want to see from your fast bowlers.

Awaiting Heidelberg in the grand final is Riverside who finished the home and away season as minor premier.

Riverside won the semi-final between the pair earlier this month by five wickets.

Heidelberg won their only meeting during the normal season on February 26.

Lachlan Biggs had a key part in a run out for Heidelberg. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Whitcher said he was expecting a tough challenge.

“They’ve got a lot of top end talent and finished on top of the ladder for a reason,” he said.

“Being runner-up last season is going to mean they’re fired up. After the first couple of games I said they were the team to beat and they’ve done fantastically well to get to this point.

“I’m proud of our boys for getting to this point but we want to finish the job off.”

It was a big weekend for Heidelberg with the club’s Third XI and under 14s winning their respective premierships.

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