MPCA 2018-19: Dromana snaps 48-year drought with Sub District premiership
After almost half a century between drinks, Dromana is again sipping premiership bubbly after winning the MPCA Sub District flag.
South East
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After almost half a century between drinks, Dromana is again sipping premiership bubbly after winning the MPCA Sub District flag.
The Hoppers were jumping for joy on Sunday afternoon after dismissing Tootgarook for 122 to secure a 44-run win in the grand final at Flinders.
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A catch low down at first slip by Dromana captain-coach Kierran Voelkl, off the bowling of Zacc Klan, ended the premiership drought and sparked jubilant scenes.
It was almost 48 years to the day since the club’s last First XI flag, the 1970-71 District title.
“I can’t remember the last time we were in District,’’ a thrilled Voelkl said.
“The boys have been in Sub District for the past 40-odd years. So it’s massive for us, we no longer wanted to be seen as a Sub District club-only.’’
There were a couple of bumps in the road in Dromana’s journey to the flag.
The Hoppers lost two of their first three games, but won eight in a row to sweep to premiership glory.
Voelkl said his side’s strength was its bowling attack, spearheaded by Klan, who took 40 wickets for the season, including 3-24 off 12 overs in the grand final, and spinner Jye Voelkl (34 wickets).
“We’ve got the best bowling attack, I honestly believe,’’ Voelkl said.
“I know for a fact if we made anything over 150 it would still be a competitive score.’’
Voelkl won the toss on Saturday and didn’t hesitate to bat first.
He led from the front with a splendid knock of 82 (with 10 fours and 2 sixes) as the Hoppers put up 166. Mark Whitehead, in his last game, made a vital 25 at the top of the list. Corey DeBruyn (4-56) and Todd Harnett (3-53) bowled well for the Frogs.
On Sunday, Dromana’s bowlers poured pressure on the Toot batting, with Klan, Luke Marotta (2-20), Jye Voelkl (2-34) and Chris Vervoorst (3-38) combining beautifully.
Voelkl said he didn’t relax until the final Frogs wicket fell.
“Even though there were 60 runs in it, it still felt like it was game on because Trav French is one who looks to go over the boundary,’’ he said.
Dromana’s premiership celebrations took a dramatic twist when an ambulance had to be called after Jeff “Rooster’’ Bluhm took a tumble in some early morning hijinks.
“He was wrestling one of the guys, it was just play fighting, and he snapped his ankle,’’ Voelkl said.
Bluhm was laid up in Frankston hospital and will have surgery on Friday.
Dromana will have a new leader when it rises to District ranks next season. Baxter opening bowler Ben Brittain has been appointed Hoppers captain-coach. Voelkl will remain as a player.
Dromana’s premiership side: Kierran Voelkl (captain-coach), Jeff Bluhm, Jedd Savage, Adam Ciavarella, Ben Bradley-Bridge, Zacc Klan, Sam Fowler, Jye Voelkl, Mark Whitehead, Christopher Vervoorst, Luke Marotta.
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