VSDCA: Spotswood claims first premiership as Ross Horking stars

Spotswood has its first Subbies premiership with a stunning man of the match performance from Ross Horkings which included a century and stellar catch front and centre.

Wherever you look there are storylines that will never be forgotten in Spotswood’s first Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association premiership.

In one of the great Subbies grand finals in recent memories, Spotswood came out on top against competition powerhouse by a single run.

Werribee needed three runs off the final delivery — yet they could only muster one.

“When we came into the Subbies competition, we knew Werribee was the benchmark and we knew we had to match them if we wanted to compete for silverware,” Spotswood president John Wheeler said.

Match them, they did.

Spotswood players celebrate after winning the match by one run. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Popular clubman Ross Horkings was front and centre of the epic decider, scoring 116 runs from 211 balls to guide Spotty to 6-251 on day one setting the scene for a fascinating finale.

Horkings, who was named man of the match, managed to do it all despite suffering an injury to his quad, but he gritted his teeth and batted through the pain.

Then in the final over of Werribee’s run chase, he leapt to his right to claim the wicket of Jon Burton (52 off 67) who looked set to be the match winner.

WATCH THE CATCH BELOW

It was a scalp that sparked wild celebrations.

“An absolutely stunning catch, if he doesn’t get there it’s probably four runs,” Wheeler said.

“Ross has been a fantastic cricketer for a long time for our club. His third century of the season was brilliant.

“He’s been one of those guys, other clubs have tried to get out of Spotswood but he’s always wanted to stay here and help us achieve success.

“Some people said it was the best game of local cricket they’ve seen. It was definitely one of the biggest crowds I’ve seen, both clubs were very well supported.

“Werribee were very stiff to lose it, they played a brilliant game.”

Spotswood claimed its first Subbies premiership. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Front and centre of the celebrations post-match was Roy Picone, a Spotswood legend who has been the club’s “lifeblood” since he walked through the doors for the first time.

You just couldn’t have wiped the smile off his face.

“He’s lived in the same house in Spotswood for 95 years,” Wheeler said.

“The players know how important Roy is to our club along with all of the volunteers. They all got around to him on Sunday night and spoke to him about what it meant.

“One thing about our players is that they’re so appreciative of the support they receive from the volunteers and the work that goes in behind the scenes.”

Spotswood coach Dan Schuppan celebrates a wicket. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Wheeler also saved special praise for coach Dan Schuppan and captain Jakson Knight for how they had led the club during Spotswood’s first two seasons in the Subbies.

“Dan and Jakson have set the standard and the boys have followed them,” he said.

“They’ve put our club into a really strong position and we want to keep building off the back of this success.”

Meanwhile, Balwyn claimed the Second XI East-West premiership after getting the better of Croydon.