MPCA 2020-21: Carrum Downs beats Tyabb to hoist Sub District flag

Carrum Downs has the talent and potential to go back-to-back after snapping a 25-year premiership drought in the MPCA.

Carrum Downs celebrates winning the 2020-21 MPCA Sub District 1st and 2nd XI premierships.

The wait is finally over.

Carrum Downs has another flag to fly after a clinical 48-run win over Tyabb in the MPCA Sub District grand final at Steve Thompson Oval on Sunday.

The Cougars’ last senior premiership was in 1995-96.

Making celebrations even bigger, Carrum Downs also captured its first ever 2nd XI flag.

But the ones were on a mission.

Carrum Downs won the toss and batted on Saturday before the rain arrived.

Resuming on Sunday, skipper James Quarmby led from the front with 64 (six boundaries) in a score of 8-151. Brad Lockhart chipped in with a vital 39 (1 four, 1 six).

In reply, Tyabb was in early trouble, crashing to 4-23, as Ryan Lynch and Michael Flahive made key strikes.

Left armer Flahive had Tyabb skipper Nick Taranto caught at slip and very next ball trapped Pauly Nelson leg before.

The Yabbies fought back as Michael Edwards (33) and Malith Chathuranga (37) put on 52 for the fifth wicket to take the score to 4-75.

But the Cougars took control again when Michael O’Driscoll ran out Edwards.

Shane Smith then grabbed two quick wickets before Jordan Watters applied the finishing touches as Tyabb was dismissed for 107 in the 37th over.

The Cougars claim the flag.

Lynch finished with 2-14 off 7 overs, combining beautifully with Flahive (2-15 off 8).

Smith (2-19 off 8) and Watters (2-28 off 7) were also impressive.

The victory capped an outstanding season for Carrum Downs, which only dropped two games and had the competition’s two leading run scorers, Gordon Waterfall and Quarmby.

The Cougars were a hungry side, fuelled by four home grown players — Waterfall, O’Driscoll, Lynch and Nathan Harford — and complemented by five imports from the SECA — Quarmby, Lockhart, Smith, Shane Deal and Flahive.

Carrum Downs celebrates a big season.

Flahive was quick to pour praise on club president Russell Blackburn, describing him as “the hardest working man on the peninsula”.

“I’ve been involved at committee level for 20 years,” Flahive said.

“I’ve seen a bit of success in my time. I’ve never met anyone who deserves it more. It’s a testament to the work he does that the club would have its first ever 1s & 2s flag under his tenure.”

Carrum Downs will graduate to District next season and possesses the depth and desire to add more success — maybe even a tilt atanother flag next season.

The club’s seconds’ win over Tyabb was spectacular. It beat Tyabb by 22 runs after taking the last eight wickets for 22 runs — sparked by spinner Chris Moloney, who took 5-21, including a hat-trick.