Historic win for Pines: family bonds lead to premiership glory in MPCA
Seven brothers featured in Pines’ drought-breaking MPCA Provincial premiership, as it was revealed how a dozen cans of beer helped spur the Piners to glory.
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Redemption — and a dozen cans of beer — helped spur Pines to a drought-breaking premiership in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association last weekend.
The Piners beat Red Hill by 171 runs in the Provincial grand final to hoist their first top-flight flag in 34 years.
The win avenged last season’s heartbreaking loss to Red Hill.
On Sunday, Pines player and chairman of selectors Ricky Ramsdale revealed a gift of 12 beers (Red Hill premiership cans) from Red Hill early this season added to his side’s motivation to atone.
“We were pretty disappointed (after last season’s grand final loss),” Ramsdale said.
“And then in round one we played them in the wash-out and as we left they gave us a dozen beers. They were the Red Hill premiership cans.
“We brought them today to remind us.”
Ramsdale said Pines had a lot of respect for Red Hill, and regarded the Hillmen as great rivals.
“Bloody oath there’s respect,” he said.
“We respect them, they’re a well run club and they’ve got some great players. It’s always tough when you play against them but it’s nice to get one (a premiership).”
Remarkably, Pines’ side included seven brothers.
There were five Jacksons — Pat, Declan, Connor, Lachlan and Liam (who was 12th man).
Also, there were the Peace-Stirling brothers, Harley and Jack.
Pat Jackson and Billy Humphrey played starring roles as Pines took control on Saturday to set up one of the most resounding Provincial grand final wins in years.
Declan Jackson (23) and Nick Christides (48) got Pines off to a strong start before Connor Jackson (18) and Harley Peace-Stirling (22) kept the runs ticking over.
Pat Jackson made 55 and Humphrey 44 as Pines put up 8-243 after winning the toss and batting at Eric Bell Reserve.
The pair then bowled the first 30 overs on Sunday to dismantle Red Hill’s top order, as the Hillmen were shot out for 72.
Pat Jackson took 4-33 off 17 overs, including the prized scalp of champion Simon Dart for 24.
Humphrey bowled with fire and focus to take 2-13 off 16 overs.
“Pat and Bill were fantastic, putting on that partnership and then bowling the first 30 overs,” Ramsdale said.
Ramsdale chipped in with 2-25 and Declan Jackson took 2-0.
Although it appeared to be a romp, Ramsdale said Pines couldn’t relax until Dart was dismissed.
“Once we got Darty out we knew it was going to take a big effort,” he said.
Pines was back on top of the MPCA mountain.
“Me and (ex club president) Baz Chalkley, when I signed all those years ago it was the dream to get up and win a Provincial flag. Now it’s reality. Just rapt,” Ramsdale said.
The grand final triumph came in Nick Christides’ historic 400th First XI match, becoming the first MPCA player to reach the milestone.
He and Ramsdale — great mates — have announced they’re playing on next season (Ramsdale: “we’re going around for one more”).
Pines was coached by Humphrey and Jamie Jewiss, who’s son Jesse was in the playing XI.
Pines’ last Provincial flag in 1990-91 included club legends Stephen Johnson, Stella Jackson, Rob “Trumby’’ Jackson, Adrian Mack, Jeff Svigos, Paul Bradley and co.
Johnson made a speech to the current Pines team last Thursday night, telling them he wanted to “pass the baton on’’ and see them win a Provincial flag.
Pines lost to Baden Powell in Round 13 but hit back to beat Dromana in a semi-final.
Harley Peace-Stirling topped the Piners’ run chart with 478, closely followed by Connor Jackson (474), with Christides (418), Declan Jackson (350) and Humphrey (308) next.
Pat Jackson took 33 wickets this season, with Declan Jackson 25 and Ramsdale 22.
“To be honest we probably played a lot better cricket last season,’’ Ramsdale said.
“This year we didn’t play as good but when finals came we really lifted. That’s a sign of a really good team.”
Pines flag men: Declan Jackson, Nick Christides, Connor Jackson,Harley Peace-Stirling, Pat Jackson, Billy Humphrey (captain), Ricky Ramsdale, Jesse Jewiss, Jack Peace-Stirling, Lachlan Jackson. 12th man: Liam Jackson. Coaches: Jamie Jewiss, Billy Humphrey
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