Koo Wee Rup claims West Gippsland premiership after defending 113 in gripping grand final
KOO WEE RUP captain-coach Mark Cooper tipped praise on his close-knit side after the Demons edged Pakenham by five runs in a gripping WGCA Premier grand final on Sunday.
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KOO WEE RUP captain-coach Mark Cooper tipped praise on his close-knit side after the Demons edged Pakenham by five runs in a gripping WGCA Premier grand final at Denhams Rd on Sunday.
Chris “Tubsy’’ O’Hara rattled Pakenham No 11 Tom Jones’ stumps to secure the premiership for Koo Wee Rup, triggering jubilant scenes.
The Demons had pulled it off, somehow protecting only 113.
Pakenham was all out for 108 in 67.5 overs of intense pressure.
Cooper said the game “ebbed and flowed’’ on Sunday, and in the end it was a win to savour.
“We were probably behind the eight-ball most of the time, but also we were still in the game because runs weren’t ticking over at a huge rate,’’ he said.
“The day just dragged on a long time. We had patience and hung in there and finally got it. It was unbelievable to win from that position. It probably still hasn’t sunk in to be honest.’’
Koo Wee Rup won the toss and batted on Saturday and was in immediate trouble, slumping to 4-14.
Pakenham’s Chris Savage, Tommy Tyrell and Dom Paynter did the early damage.
Wickets kept falling as the Demons crashed to 6-56. That became 8-93 when O’Hara, who made a gallant and crucial 44 at the top of the list, was caught by Paynter from the bowling of Jason Williams (4-36). Koo Wee Rup’s innings expired in the 72nd over.
Pakenham’s spirits were high, but they were soon dipping when it crashed to 4-12 by stumps on Saturday night.
Koo Wee Rup had made its winning move, with Jess Mathers (5-50 off 25 overs) and John Bright (2-27) making key breakthroughs.
Pakenham rallied on Sunday, with Williams (29) and Rob Elston (33no) sharing a 45-run partnership to take the score from 6-44 to 6-89.
Mathers made the key breakthrough, removing Williams, while O’Hara grabbed the final two wickets.
It was Koo Wee Rup’s fifth flag in the past 10 years and Cooper praised his players’ competitive strength.
“Most of them are local boys who live in the town,’’ he said. “And they’ve been used to a fair bit of success and they just love it and want more. They lifted for the occasion and lifted all year to be honest. We dug deep and found something.’’
Koo Wee Rup’s side is packed with multiple premiership winners; Matt Davey, Chris Bright, Chris O’Hara and Paul Bright all have won five flags, while John Bright and Matt Bright have four apiece.
For Cooper, 38, the premiership added more glitter to an outstanding coaching and playing career. He has guided four clubs – Cranbourne, Cardinia (twice), Langwarrin and Koo Wee Rup — to flags.
Koo Wee Rup’s flag men: Mark Cooper (captain-coach), Chris O’Hara, Ben Spicer, Mitchell Cammarano, Jess Mathers, Chris Bright, Matt Bright, Matt Davey, Cody Miller, Paul Bright, John Bright.
CLYDE Cricket Club has celebrated a marvellous double, winning both the District and Sub-District premierships.
The Cougars upset minor premiers Devon Meadows in the District grand final, making 203 and then rolling Devon for 174. Shane White, with 5-41, was the hero. With the bat, John Simpson top scored with 58 and Kane Avard made 30.
In the Sub-District decider, Clyde put up 9-241 — Dean Williams (55) and Matthew Bayliss (58no) in the runs — and then restricted Catani to 9-225. Joel Avard played a starring role with 6-60.
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