MPCA 2018-19: Langwarrin makes history with back-to-back Provincial flags

Mal Coutts clipped one off his pads and there it was — history for Langwarrin Cricket Club as it went back-to-back in MPCA Provincial.

Langwarrin celebrates after winning back-to-back MPCA Provincial premierships.

Mal Coutts clipped one off his pads and there it was — history for Langwarrin Cricket Club as it went back-to-back in MPCA Provincial.

Langy chased down Sorrento’s 220 in the grand final at Mornington on Sunday afternoon to claim successive flags for the first time.

It took 76.3 overs and loads of determination before Langwarrin could savour one of its greatest moments.

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Evergreen 43-year-old Coutts (23no off 13 balls) and captain Travis Campbell (49no off 93) shared an unbroken 27-run stand to guide the Kangaroos (6-222) past the target.

Langy went into Sunday needing to bat their boots off and openers Matt Prosser and Taylor Smith were up for the challenge, absorbing Sorrento’s pace attack of Jake Wood and Adeel Hussain for 30 wicket-less overs.

Sorrento opening batsman Corey Harris hits out as Langwarrin keeper Tom Hussey watches on. Picture: Valeriu Campan

They put on 69 before Smith (28 off 85) was dismissed by spinner Leigh Janssen.

Matt “The Bat’’ Prosser batted on, and on, facing 218 balls to make a vital 68 as Langwarrin, at 4-123, closed within 97 runs of victory with 18 overs to go.

Campbell and Jake Prosser – captain and coach respectively – then upped the tempo with a 58-run partnership, taking the score to 5-191 off 73 overs.

Langwarrin captain Travis Campbell. Picture: Valeriu Campan

After the game, Langy star Tom Hussey said Prosser’s six straight off Sorrento spinner Bobby Wilson was the moment he believed they’d win.

On Saturday, Leigh Poholke smashed 65 off 47 balls to lift Sorrento to 9-220 after the Sharks won the toss and batted.

Langwarrin leg-spinner Matt Prosser (4-47 off 18 overs) took three of the first four wickets to fall. Hussey’s superb stumping of Wilson (8) off the bowling of Matt Prosser was crucial. Jedd Falck made 51 off 122 balls at No. 3 to give the Sorrento innings some starch.

This is a golden era for Langwarrin, which has also won the past two Jack Peacock Cup titles. Its off-field support of Rob Prosser, Tim Harper and Roger Brearley has been a key factor in the success.

Langwarrin premiership players Taylor Smith, Mal Coutts and Matt Prosser.

Langwarrin is the first side to win back-to-back Provincial flags since Long Island at the turn of the century (1998-99, 1999-200).

Langwarrin coach Jake Prosser said hard work was the foundation of the club’s success.

“Honestly, it’s hard to find words to sum up what we have achieved in the past 10 to 15 years - I’ll look back on it and have a lot to say later,’’ he said.

“But to achieve the ultimate success in Provincial and Jack Peacock two years in a row is an incredible feeling for the club, for all the hard work everyone has put in.’’

Langwarrin’s 2018-19 premiership side: Travis Campbell (captain), Jake Prosser (coach), Matt Prosser, Taylor Smith, Josh Edwards, Tom Hussey, Travis Canavan, Mal Coutts, Sam Prosser, Leigh Paterson, Adam Campbell. 12th man: Trav Whelan. Support staff: Rob Prosser, Tim Harper, Roger Brearley (scorer).