MPCA 2018-19: Baden Powell continues rise after winning the Peninsula grand final

A tidal wave of success has engulfed Baden Powell Cricket Club, which is headed back to MPCA Provincial ranks after winning the Peninsula flag.

These are heady times for Baden Powell Cricket Club.

A tidal wave of success has engulfed the Overport Park club, which is headed back to MPCA Provincial ranks after what coach Craig Entwistle described as “a whirlwind two years for us”.

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Baden Powell scored a rousing win over Main Ridge in the Peninsula grand final last Sunday, chasing down a target of 217, to punch its ticket to the top flight.

It was back-to-back flags for the Braves, following their District triumph last year.

Two other Baden Powell sides won premierships - the thirds and fourths - meaning the club was lit up with beaming smiles on Sunday night.

To cap things off, BP also win the coveted MPCA club championship.

“It’s an amazing achievement for the whole club,” Entwistle said.

“To win three premierships and all five teams making the finals, it’s pinch yourself stuff.

“As coach of the club I sit back in awe of what we’ve achieved. It’s pretty historic.

“I don’t think they’ve ever won a club championship and to go back-to-back as well is just brilliant.”

Baden Powell batsman Rhys Elmi blasted seven sixes in his 73 not out off 76 balls in the grand final.

Travis Kellerman and Rhys Elmi produced superb batting performances to help Baden Powell run down Main Ridge’s 216 at Pearcedale.

Kellerman batted for 202 balls to make 67 at the top of the order and Elmi blasted seven sixes in his 73 not out off 76 balls after going in at 3-122.

The Braves (6-217) achieved victory in the 74th over.

“We haven’t chased much in the last two years so we made a conscious decision at Christmas that when we won a toss we would have a go at batting second,” Entwistle said.

“It paid off in the grand final.”

The future is bright for the BPs.

The Braves will have a newly surfaced ground, a new scoreboard and new rooms when they enter Provincial next season.

“Everyone is pumped to be back in Provincial,” Entwistle said.

“We’re not done, our journey is nowhere near its destination. We are aiming to have a good crack next season, too.”

Baden Powell’s thirds premiership side, captained by Rob Morgan, included five players under 17.

The fourths’ triumph was a fairytale first-ever flag for its captain Val Gnanakone.

Baden Powell’s premierships side: Craig Entwistle (captain-coach), Michael Ballard, Coen Chernishoff, Rhys Elmi, Nathan Rice, Josh Waldron, Travis Kellerman, Daniel Di Paolo, Tyson Jackson, Taylor Harrison, Luke Long.