How DVCA grand finals were won and lost

There were special moments and huge individual displays as DVCA clubs climbed the mountain to grand final success on the weekend. See how every game was won.

Rosanna celebrates it DVCA Barclay Shield. Photo: Facebook.

Rosanna couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate its 100th year.

The celebrated its Barclay Shield success on Saturday after prevailing by 82 runs against Bundoora in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association’s top tier.

The minor premier had posted 9-209 on the first day behind half centuries from Dalton Marsh (52 runs off 60 balls) and Sam Sheehan (50 off 154).

In response, Bundoora proved no match with Josh Henkel leading the way with the ball, finishing with 4-32 off 22 overs while Nick Carlton chimed in with 3-36.

Bundoora was all out for 127 with Shupinder Taggar the best performed batter with 47 runs, none of his teammates were able to pass 20.

“Signing off 100 years in style,” Rosanna declared on social media.

The Money Shield final was also eventually a comfortable affair as Rosebank secured a 73-run victory over Eltham.

Ravindu Dilshan was the hero with bat and ball for the Eagles in a performance which was set up by their star’s 41 not out on day one to lead his side to 9-201.

Dilshan then broke the game open with the ball, taking 6-29, as the Panthers were all out for 128 despite an unbeaten half-century from Kieran Sheehan.

Dushan Wickramarathna also picked up three wickets of his own.

Mernda’s Lachlan Taylor swung the Mash Shield final in his side’s favour with a stunning bowling performance as minor premier Riverside was rolled for just 81.

After the Demons posted 143 on day one, Taylor and Michael Edwards (3-20) combined to shock the Burras who had entered the game as strong favourites.

Mernda ran out 53-run winners.

Mernda got the better of Rivergum in the decider. Photo: Facebook.

DAY ONE REVIEW

The equation for Rivergum is simple.

Successfully chase down its total of 144 on day two of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Mash Shield grand final and create a piece of history.

The Kookas made the move, along with Dennis, from the North Metro Cricket Association at the start of the season and are looking for a statement introduction into the competition.

They finished the home-and-away season as minor premiers and were impressive with the ball on day one, bowling Mernda out for 143.

“We’ve played in a lot of finals before and I feel like those moments hold us in good stead,” Coach Corey Altis said.

“Now it’s about playing smart, playing the percentages. There’s no doubt Merna will throw everything at us.

“How we navigate through what will be a tricky run chase will be the key. The split weekends gives you a bit more time to think about it, but we’ll have a positive week att training and hopefully build from there.”

Matt Perri was a key figure with the ball taking 4-28 off his 28 overs.

It continued a remarkable first season for the star all-rounder who has also scored a competition high 843 runs at an average of 120.43.

“We’ve managed to relieve a bit of the pressure on him after he stepped aside as coach,” Altis coach.

“He’s been able to focus on his game and the whole side has benefited from that. If he does have the opportunity to bat, I’m sure he is going to take his opportunity.”

Altis said his side had enjoyed the new experience throughout the season but wasn’t taken anything for granted heading into the final day.

“There was a lot of unknown for us at the start of the year,” he said.

“We’ve learnt a lot along the way. One thing we have enjoyed is the strength of competition.”

Bruno Piraina of Rosebank. Picture: Hamish Blair

In the Barclay Shield decider between Rosanna and Bundoora, the former posted 9-209 from their 80 overs on day one.

Sam Sheehan continued his brilliant season with a 50 to give his side a platform at the top of the order as middle order batter Dalton Marsh hit his highest score since game two with 52 off 60.

Shupinder Taggar (4-47 off 26) and Narinder Sharma (3-66 off 25) were the pick of the bowlers.

The Money Shield grand final between Rosebank and Eltham is also evenly poised after the opening day’s play.

Rosebank has set the Panthers 202 for victory after Ravindu Dilshan led his side to 9-201 with a crucial unbeaten 41.

Dilshan’s innings helped his side overcome a mini collapse in the middle of the innings as Harry Bates led the way with 3-68.