SECA: Kingston Heath beats Brighton Union to avoid relegation

The Kookaburras orchestrated a gripping run-chase victory to climb off the bottom of the ladder in the SECA, sparking wild celebrations. See the video.

Nine balls left.

11 nervous players. An entire season of hard work...

Late on Saturday afternoon, Kingston Heath hit the winning runs — reeling in Brighton Union’s 243 — in the final round of the season to spark unbridled joy.

The Kookaburras, on the bottom of the South East Cricket Association’s Longmuir Shield ladder for most of the campaign, had survived — climbing to seventh spot and avoiding relegation, on percentage.

“It was like winning a grand final,” Kingston Heath opener Steve Burke said.

Tom Grech was the hero the week before, taking 6-64, to restrict Brighton Union after it was humming along at 3-190.

Tom Grech took 28 wickets for Kingston Heath. Picture: Facebook

But the run chase was a beauty.

Burke, 48, who opened the batting for Melbourne’s ones two decades ago, made a superb 73 to set up victory.

He and Nathaniel D’Rozario (47) put on 97 for the opening partnership to instil belief.

That belief grew as Andrew Birt (45) joined Burke and took the score to 3-167 before Burke was run out.

The required run rate never got above five an over, so it was never out of control. But Kingston Heath hadn’t made 240 all season.

The Burras didn’t panic, as Arran Gribben (37no) and Mark Fountain (6no) lapped up the pressure to guide the Kookas home in the nick of time (in 70.4 overs).

On the sidelines, their teammates jumped for joy, embracing as if they’d won a premiership.

After a testing season, with more lows than highs, it was a moment to savour.

Elwood dropped to the bottom after losing to Le Page Park and was relegated.

“It wasn’t a great year but it was a great finish and something we’ll remember,” Burke said.

It was a big night.

Kingston Heath had its reverse raffle and for the first time in ages, all four teams won.

The Longmuir Shield finals start this weekend, with Bentleigh Uniting hosting Brighton Union, and Bentleigh ANA hosting Le Page Park.

Kingston Heath’s best performers in 2023-24:

Tom Grech: the youngster took 28 wickets at 18.4, including a big finish to the season with 5-30 against Bentleigh Uniting and then 6-64 against Brighton Union.

Steve Burke: the former Melbourne opener was a reliable figure at the top, with 425 runs at 32.6, including four half-centuries.

Nathaniel D’Rozario: a young opener with loads of potential…made an outstanding century (110no) against East Sandringham in Round 7 and finished up with 387 runs at 43.

Matthew Cefala: the Kookaburras captain showed strong leadership, making 331 runs at 27.5. He kept believing.

Andrew Birt: in nine matches he averaged 42 after hitting 254 runs, including 63 against East Sandringham and a vital 45 in the final round victory.