MPCA 2018-19: Heatherhill defeats Rosebud in District grand final

Heatherhill cricketers maintained tradition and drank out of the grungy old cricket boots that hang on the wall above the bar at the Bruce Park clubrooms on Sunday night.

Heatherhill cricketers celebrate premiership success.

Heatherhill cricketers maintained tradition and drank out of the grungy old cricket boots that hang on the wall above the bar at the Bruce Park clubrooms on Sunday night.

It’s part of Hills tradition that all premiership players sip from the hallowed boots on the night of their triumph.

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And the boots, which belonged to long-serving player Ray Davies and gather cobwebs and dust, got a good work out on Sunday night.

Three Heatherhill sides won flags – Firsts, Thirds and Fourths.

“The boys enjoyed that,’’ Heatherhill captain Sam Mullavey said.

“They were a bit soggy by the time they got to me, having three teams (win flags).’’

Mullavey said Heatherhill’s win over Rosebud in the MPCA District grand final was both a massive thrill and a relief.

On paper, it looked easy.

Heatherhill opening bowler Jake Theobald took 6-33 off 25 overs to flatten Rosebud for 103 on Saturday.

Heatherhill opening bowler Jason Hinde.

Theobald has had a brilliant season, taking 48 wickets, including a bag of five in last week’s semi-final.

Rosebud’s top scorer was Pete Doughty with 49.

In reply, Heatherhill had to face four overs before the end of play on Saturday night and regular No. 10 Jason Hinde put his hand up to open the batting. With Patrick Skelly, he guided the Hills to stumps without losing a wicket.

On Sunday, Heatherhill powered to victory, with Kristian Miller (64no) and teenager Declan Albert (23no) sharing an unbroken 73-run stand as the Hills made 2-104 off 53 overs.

“To finally win it, after getting done (in the grand final) last year, it was a little bit of relief to be honest,’’ Mullavey said.

“The score says we won easy but you are never there until that final run is hit when you are chasing.

“As soon as we hit that final run there was a lot of relief. Hopefully now the monkey is off the back and we can go again next year and hopefully go up a grade again. We are definitely putting no limits on it.

“It’s a really exciting time.’’

Heatherhill’s thirds, skippered by Adam Salerni, beat Tyabb by 14 runs to win successive flags, while Dermott Brereton’s fourths completed back-to-back premierships, beating Peninsula Old Boys.

As for Ray’s old boots, they are falling apart but still hold liquid.

Heatherhill premiership players: Sam Mullavey (captain), Kieran Lenehan, Brett Maxwell, Mathew Meagher, Jake Theobald, Kristian Miller, Jason Hinde, Steven O’Donnell, Declan Albert, Patrick Skelly, Ben Davies (sub). Coach: Damien Rigby.