Camrea, banned for two years earlier this season, is back and will play NMCA finals

Camrea was controversially banned by the NMCA for two years in October. Here’s how it returned to the field and made a stunning finals charge.

Camrea celebrates its Quick Shield triumph last season.

Camrea’s tumultuous season has taken another twist … finals.

After being banned by the North Metro Cricket Association earlier in the season, the Stingrays returned to the field in December and are now eyeing a stunning Jika Shield premiership challenge.

The club is undefeated since Christmas and will play an elimination final against Keon Park this weekend.

Handed a two-year suspension by the association in October, Camrea won an injunction in court with the NMCA then rescinding all penalties.

It was given three points for each game it was unable to play, finishing third to secure a home final after a 31-run win over Preston Baseballers in the final round.

Captain Blair Dawson, who scored a match-winning century against Baseballers, said the club was hitting top form at the right time.

“Coming into finals we’ve had some good performances with bat and ball so hopefully we can put them together for a couple of weeks,” Dawson said.

“It’s been a turbulent season but nice to get to the point end.

“We had our backs against the wall coming back and we pretty much had to win every game, so we’ve been really happy with how everyone has stepped up to the challenge.

“We put on 475 against Keon Park, who we’re playing this week, so that was a real confidence booster.

“Baseballers on the weekend, that was a hard-fought win missing a few players, and Holy Trinity as well we think we match-up quite well against them.”

Camrea had split its first two games before being suspended mid-game with Holy Trinity, it’s first game back from suspension against Rivergum was then washed out.

It lost the following week by three wickets to Baseballers before winning four straight, including victories against flag rivals Holy Trinity and Keon Park.

Dawson said the club was focused on cricket after enough off-field drama for one season.

“It’s in the background now that it’s done and dusted and we’re focused on playing our best cricket,” he said.

“It’s a motivator in the background for some of the boys, particularly guys that have been at the club for a number of years.

“It’s definitely going to make it sweeter if we’re able to go all the way but that’s not at the forefront of our minds.”

Camrea has won both hitouts against Keon Park this season, claiming a 14-run win in Round 2 before racking up a colossal 5-475 in a 280-run win in 11.

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Dawson scored an unbeaten 135 but Nikhil Pottabathini was the hero with a mammoth 246 and 3-19.

“Lets hope (we can repeat the performance) but we know Keon Park are going to come out harder after last time and are coming off the back of some good form and performances as well,” Dawson said.

“We’re quietly confident but expecting a tough contest.”

In the qualifying final, minor premier Rivergum will host reigning premier Holy Trinity at Kelynack Reserve with Camrea and Keon Park taking to John Hall Reserve.

In the Quick Shield, Donath hosts Dennis in the qualifying final at Donath Reserve, while Fiji Victoria faces Strathewen in the elimination final at Sullivan Park.