MPCA 2020-21: Long Island wins Peninsula premiership

Long Island is back in the MPCA top flight after a nerve-jangling two-run win over Pines in the Peninsula grand final. This finish had it all.

Long Island players, officials and supporters show off the 2020-21 MPCA Peninsula flag. Picture: Long Island CC

Long Island has claimed the MPCA Peninsula premiership after holding its nerve to beat Pines by two runs in a seesawing grand final that went the distance on Sunday.

The Islanders had to overcome a gallant last-wicket partnership of 48 between Pines tailenders Patty Jackson and Riki Anstiss before punching their ticket back to Provincial.

When Long Island veteran Andrew Tweddle smashed over the stumps to run out Harley Peace-Stirling, who was running for an injured Anstiss, the Islanders could finally celebrate their first flag in 13 years.

The one-dayer at Eric Bell Reserve was played over two days after rain washed out play on Saturday.

Resuming on Sunday, Long Island, after being in a strong position at 2-99, lost 8-35 to be dismissed for 134 in the 38th over — opening the door for Pines.

But the Piners made a bad start to the run chase when skipper Ricky Ramsdale edged Tweddle to Nick Jewell at slip and was out for a duck.

Pines moved to 1-30 when key batsman Damien Lawrence was bowled by Dan Kelly for 20.

Regular wickets fell as Pines slumped to 9-84, its hopes forlorn.

But Jackson and Anstiss led a rebuild with good, solid batting and hard running between wickets.

At 9-96, Anstiss injured his hamstring and there was a delay while a runner was called.

With the score on 99, Anstiss offered a chance but was dropped by a diving Michael Burke.

Jackson began to blossom, playing several slashing cover drives as Pines edged closer to the target.

At 9-113, Tweddle had the chance to run out Anstiss but fumbled a throw from keeper Michael Chaplin.

Pines players and supporters found voice, sensing a momentum swing.

It came down to the last over, Pines needing eight to win.

Jackson got a single off Tweddle’s first delivery and then Anstiss looked to be run out off the second, only for umpire Mauro Sollecito to say ‘not out’.

The Islanders fumbled another run out opportunity as it went down to the last ball, Pines needing four runs to tie.

Aidan McKenna is about to gather and run out Pines' Riki Anstiss off the final ball.

Jackson smashed a full delivery to deep mid wicket where Aiden McKenna, under pressure, gathered cleanly and sent a bounce throw back to Tweddle who again fumbled but regathered in time to run out Anstiss.

Tweddle took off towards the Island supporters, signalling the start of the party.

Jackson finished unbeaten on 27 and Anstiss made 25, the pair doing a mighty job to nearly carry their side to a memorable win.

Long Island skipper Tom Boxell had steered his side to a flag in his second season at the club.

The Island bowlers were brilliant.

Left armer Kelly bowled with fire to nab 2-33, Tweddle 1-30, Boxell 2-22 with his leggies, fellow spinner Zac Wilson 2-10 off 8 overs and Burke 2-15.

It was finally an MPCA premiership for Island recruit Nick Jewell, who had endured several near misses with Sorrento and Main Ridge.

Pines was naturally disappointed to lose after not dropping a game all season.

The Peninsula 2nds premiership was won by Pines (8-154) over Somerville (106), Nick Wilcox (41 and 3-17) and Rhys Chalkley (4-21 and 24) the stars.