Premier Cricket 2024-25: Camberwell Magpies’ coach’s message after preliminary final pain

A Premier Cricket grand final berth was snatched from their grasp by the competition’s pacesetter – but Camberwell Magpies coach David Alleyne says his side must harness the heartbreak.

Former BBL all-rounder Arjun Nair was a standout this season for the Magpies. Picture: Valeriu Campan

A grand final berth was snatched from their grasp by the competition’s pacesetter – but Camberwell Magpies coach David Alleyne says his side must harness the heartbreak.

Riding the momentum of two finals, the Magpies’ season looked headed for a shot at premiership glory in the weekend’s prelim against Carlton – with the reigning champs on the ropes at 5-36 in the 24th over.

But the Blues’ Houdini act produced a 177 total on the way to skittling the Maggies for 54 to spell curtains.

Former BBL spinner Arjun Nair (5-41 off 25 overs) and Will Walker (4-24 off 18) spearheaded the Camberwell assault.

“Everyone’s very bitterly disappointed with the result, but I think if you put it into context, the season we’ve had as a club has been really positive,” Alleyne said.

“We bowled absolutely brilliantly (on the weekend) … fantastic lines and lengths and I know that was commented on by the Carlton boys as well.

“There were some upset boys and members of the coaching staff (after the match) … these losses, while they’re hard to take, that’s what you have to build on.”

Alleyne lamented his side’s batting collapse but declared this season’s preliminary final berth set a new benchmark for the emerging Magpies.

“We had them (Carlton) in a perilous position … they’ve been a successful team for a long period of time and they looked to occupy the crease which they did with their young batter (Jagadeswara Koduru) scoring 75, they defended really well, but even with that being said, 177 we thought was very gettable,” he said.

“Whilst it (three finals played) is new territory, those feelings (afterwards) were very raw because it presented us an opportunity to play a grand final which the club hasn’t done in quite a while.

“But with that being said, it’s raised our ceiling of our expectations.”

The coach believes most, if not all, of the pieces are in place for a premiership tilt – now bolstered by the experience of a rigorous finals campaign.

“(We’ve) certainly got the talent within the club,” Alleyne said.

“To play in three finals, it’s uncharted territory for the playing group.

“They’re going to be far better for it now that they’ve experienced it.”