Gladstone Park within reach of rare back-to-back NWMCA premierships

After an undefeated premiership and promotion last season, Gladstone Park is on the cusp of an extraordinary achievement in the NWMCA.

A historic back-to-back premiership is within Gladstone Park’s reach.

The North West Metro club is through to the Luscombe Shield grand final where it hopes to complete the extraordinary feat of winning a top-flight flag in its first season after winning the Kyte Shield title and promotion last season.

After an undefeated 2021-22 campaign, the Kookaburras stepped up and finished second in their first season back since 2018-19, surging into the decider with a three-wicket win over Chargers on Saturday.

Skipper Anthony Fawcus said it had been an amazing two seasons for the club.

“It’s been pretty special for the playing group, and more importantly the club, to go through undefeated in the second division and then come up and have a serious chance to go back-to-back. It’s exciting,” he said.

Ashan De Silva in action for Gladstone Park. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I think we have the talent to do it but putting it into action is not always easy.”

Fawcus won the toss and put Chargers in at Jack Ginifer Reserve and Nathan Fitzpatrick made an instant impact, ripping through the visitor’s top order.

Fitzpatrick dismissed the top four batters to have Chargers 2-0, 3-10 and 4-25.

Vikkas Dhingra (53), Angad Mann (41) and Amit Sehajpal (23) steadied the ship for Chargers, before they were all out for 191.

Fawcus was rapt with the result.

“We had a few little headaches coming into the game and decided the right thing to do was bowl, it was a last-second decision but it worked wonders,” he said.

“Fitzy bowled a treat with the new ball, he set it up for us, in the sense they couldn’t play with the amount of freedom they usually do.

“If someone had told me you’re chasing 200 against Chargers, you take it every week.

“They haven’t made less than 300 in their past seven games and nearly made 400 in one game, so they have a lot of batting power.”

A captain’s knock from Fawcus (69) then led the chase before Wes Telford (51) and Brad Fawcus (30 not out) finished the job.

“It was nice to get a few and my brother has had an outstanding year,” Anthony said.

“As a whole team, we’ve all had good moments, even down to Max Howell at No.8, he got an 86 earlier this year against Pacco (Pascoe Vale Central) and Rahul (Mall) at No.9, he got a 161 against Preston (Druids), so we bat deep.

“If you want to win finals you can’t just leave it to one person.”

Gladstone Park will meet minor premier Buckley Park in the grand final after it claimed a 72-run win over Darebin Chargers.

The Beavers are hoping to break a horror grand final curse after losing the last five deciders.

Buckley Park won both meetings this season, earning a 94-run win in Round 8 and a 36-run victory in Round 11, despite Brad Fawcus’ 107.

“The second time they didn’t beat us convincingly but the first time they really gave it to us,” Fawcus said.

“We’ve fixed up our game and structured up a bit better since then and we’re in a much better position as a team and mentally.

“I believe we’re the best two teams all year, it’s going to be a good challenge and the boys are looking forward to it.”

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After falling out of Luscombe Shield in 2018-19, Fawcus paid tribute to Gladstone Park’s committee for rebuilding the club on and off field.

Led by president Sam Anastasiou, vice-president Rohan Keats, Wayne Matthews and Marco Castelli have worked tirelessly.

“They don’t get enough credit, for us as a playing group, what they’ve done for us has been terrific,” Fawcus said.

“To get the club from where we were three years ago to the position we’re in now, it’s a credit to all those involved, and they do it for the love of the club. It would be great if we can do it for them.”