Dowling Shield: Ringwood’s Isaac Macklin stars in upset final victory

A sizzling display with the ball from Ringwood’s Isaac Macklin helped his side to an upset win in the Dowling Shield final on Monday.

It was Isaac Macklin’s day as Ringwood stormed to the Dowling Shield.

The Bayswater product claimed man-of-the-match honours, turning it on with 5-47 off eight overs to lift Ringwood to an upset 18-run victory in Monday’s under-17 grand final.

The Rams’ 9-254 proved enough to hold off a powerful Footscray batting unit (236), with Macklin’s biggest wicket landing in the 45th over.

No. 3 Footscray bat Mitchell Jamieson was in control at the crease on 115 runs off 143 balls of 4-207, needing 48 to claim victory. He wasn’t getting past Macklin however, who bowled the right-hander.

Winners are grinners. Picture: Supplied

Ringwood coach Clayton Henderson said the pace bowler’s form throughout the carnival meant it was little wonder he proved the Rams’ match-winner on Monday.

Macklin finished the carnival with 166 runs and nine wickets – including a half-century in the semi-final against Richmond.

“It (Macklin’s performance) was no surprise – we saw how we went in the final against Richmond with the bat – we know he can bowl, and the boys at Bayswater know he can bowl. He saved it for the big day,” Henderson said.

“Footscray had essentially dominated the carnival and to see how they were going in the second innings, absolutely cruising, to come away with it was not only surprising, but it was incredible viewing.”

Man-of-the-match Isaac Macklin. Picture: Ringwood CC

Macklin’s efforts were complemented by Vishwa Ramkumar (2-38 off 10 overs), who broke up a 158-run partnership between Jamieson and Lachlan McArthur (63) – claiming the latter in the 41st over.

Henderson admitted the pair’s removal eased the nerves with the Rams protecting 254.

Opener Zac Grech (62 runs off 103 balls) skipper Ollie Horlock (56 off 82), and No. 4 Bailey O’Riley (51 off 42) each plundered half-centuries, against a Footscray bowling attack highlighted by Liam Mason (3-38) and Aaron Brasher (3-60) starring off 10 overs.

“Throughout the innings I thought 270 (runs) gives you a good footing, look at Footscray’s record throughout the carnival, they chased teams down … McArthur and Jamieson just made the chases look easy,” Henderson said.

“I thought 250 was probably just par, maybe just under, and you’d expect that Footscray side to get it … but for O’Riley, Grech and Horlock to get 50s was massive for us.”

Henderson credited his side’s unity in the victory.

“It was great to see the boys come together who not only play senior cricket at Ringwood, but the boys from outside the club and they were able to find that synergy and achieve that common goal,” he said.