Inside the DVCA’s stunning final round of action

There were twists and turns everywhere you looked as the DVCA regular season reached a thrilling conclusion. Here’s how it all played out.

Prabhnoor Bhalla of Bundoora. Photo: Josh Chadwick.

The final round of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association season threw up plenty of surprises.

Here’s how the top-four from the top three divisions were thrown on their head.

BUNDOORA ARRIVES IN FORM

With a fourth-place finish secured, Bundoora will carry plenty of confidence into the Barclay Shield finals. Taking on fellow finalists Rosanna, the visitors held on for a thrilling one-wicket win which was ultimately decided by a wide in the final over. Rosanna had posted 7-201 as Tom Bourke produced his best innings of the season with 90 off 98 balls. In response, Bundoora opener Prabhnoor Bhalla gave his side the perfect platform with a powerful 65 off 47 including five 6s — his best performance of the season. While some wickets fell quickly in the top order, Bundoora eventually settled through Angus Smith (33 off 35) and Andrew Fairchild (43 off 59). Stuart Adams and Uzair Abdullah were the tailenders to finish the job.

GILBERT COMES TO CREEKERS RESCUE

If it wasn’t for the exploits of star all-rounder Dan Gilbert, Diamond Creek may have been preparing for life in the competition’s second tier next season. Gilbert hit a patient 68 not out off 118 balls to lead his side to a crucial five-wicket win over Heidelberg in the final game of the season. It was a result which saw the Creekers win their fourth game of the season and climb to 30 points for the season, six clear of Research Eltham Collegians.

It was an emotional day for Peter Cashen who played his final game for the club after a 25-year connection. He top scored with 51 off 83 as the Bergers posted 8-146. Cashen debuted in 2004-05 before a stint in Premier Cricket with Fitzroy-Doncaster. He returned in 2013-14 as the club’s captain-coach and remained as a First XI mainstay since.

Daniel Gilbert was the hero for Diamond Creek. Photo: Josh Chadwick.

HEARTBREAK FOR COLLEGIANS

As Bundoora United secured its fifth win of the season and seventh place finish, there was heartbreak for Research Eltham Collegians. Chasing 147 for victory and the possibility of avoiding relegation, the visitors lost their final five wickets for 23 runs as Lee Solar (3-17) and Ryan Offer (2-22) lifted the Bulldogs to victory. United had posted 9-146 with Joel Thompson (33 off 29) and Thilina Herath (33 off 29) top scoring.

GREENSBOROUGH SECURES SAFETY

Greensborough has ensured it will play in the Money Shield next season after claiming a three-wicket win over Lower Eltham in a game where they loser would be relegated — due to other results. Lower Eltham was bowled out for 149 as Justin Whitcher top scored with 54 off 72 as Caillin Austin broke the game open for the hosts with 4-31 off eight overs. Greensborough’s chase was bolstered by 71 off 107 from opener Mathew Salvatore who was dismissed with his side needing a further 25 for victory.

In other games which impacted the lower end of the ladder, Montmorency held on for a three-run win over Lalor Stars, to miss the top-four while Lower Plenty beat Bundoora Park by 53 runs.

Jeremy Mahar played a key role for Banyule. Picture: Hamish Blair

BANYULE’S NEAR MISS

Banyule came close to sneaking into the top-four at the expense of Bundoora Park after securing a thrilling two-wicket win over finals bound Plenty. The hosts rolled Plenty for just 89 as Brent O’Connor led the way with 3-8. Banyule eventually got across the line as Jack Arandt (20no) and Jeremy Mahar (16no) guided their side home.

RIVERGUM ON TRACK FOR HISTORIC INTRODUCTION

Competition newcomers Rivergum will enter the Mash Shield finals as favourites after finishing on top of the ladder. They secured a 49-run win over Mill Park on the weekend with star Matt Perri cruelly denied a century, dismissed on 99 as his side posted 7-246. In response, the Tigers hit 9-197 in their 40 overs. Rivergum crossed from the North Metro Cricket Association at the start of the season.

Originally published as Inside the DVCA’s stunning final round of action