VTCA: Grand United secure Division 3 premiership

Grand United has gone from grand final heartbreak to redemption in 12 months with the Gorillas success built during a busy off-season where there was a strong homecoming theme.

Twelve months is a long time in sport.

At this time last year, Grand United was thinking what could have been after losing the VTCA Division 3 grand final against Footscray United.

But now the Gorillas are feeling on top of the world after a dominant display wrapped up the premiership inside a day against Sunbury on Saturday.

It was a performance built during the past off-season when the Gorillas committee and officials made the decision to improve the playing list to help their club take the next step.

Among those changes was the return of former junior Sam Crea, who finished as the club’s leading wicket taker for the season with 32 at a remarkable average of 13.38.

Then there were the returns of Ben Doll and Kyle Holden, other players who enjoyed sensational seasons.

Grand United’s Ben Doll celebrates a wicket. Picture: Andy Brownbill

And in the decider it was Crea and Doll who won plaudits with three wickets apiece to help have Sunbury all out for 120.

Jayden White-Powell then produced his best performance with the bat since early January to guide the Gorillas home.

Grand United president Alan Hale was more than happy to speak about his team’s achievements.

“What a sensational year it’s been after falling last year, the boys couldn’t have responded any better,” he said.

“The three boys we brought back to the club all had outstanding seasons. The bowlers really set up the win for us, they stuck to their plans and were able to build plenty of pressure.

“Two run outs in an over really sparked us just before tea and we managed to carry on from there.”

Grand United players celebrate a wicket. Picture: Andy Brownbill

With the premiership trophy now in the cabinet, the Gorillas are planning their next adventure into Division 2, the VTCA’s third tier.

And they’re hoping to be there for too long.

“We’ve got plans to go even higher, this is just the beginning,” Hale said.

“But there can be a bottleneck trying to win more promotions because this competition is so evenly poised and teams are improving every season.”

More talent looks set to filter through to the Gorillas’ senior ranks in coming seasons too after the club’s under-17 side won its respective grand final a week earlier.