VSDCA: Werribee through to third straight grand after beating Caulfield

Consistency in the playing group has been key for Werribee as it prepares for a third straight VSDCA grand final this weekend. Here’s what the club says is behind the run.

Werribee is quickly establishing itself as an almost permanent fixture in Victorian Sub District Cricket Association grand finals.

Last year, the Tigers got the better of the undefeated Kew in the north-west competition, a year after their grand final against western rivals Williamstown was called off due to Covid.

Werribee earned itself a third straight grand final appearance after getting the better of Caulfield in a stunning upset.

The Tigers bowled the home side out for just 78 with Hamish Winter-Irving leading the way with 4-12.

Openers Matthew Dean (52no) and Matthew Gudde (27) then quickly got the job done in 19 overs.

Skipper Tim O’Brien said it was a day where “pretty much” everything went right for his side.

“Despite doing such a good job with the ball it was never going to be an easy chase,” he said.

“We knew that if our bowlers had that sort of impact, there was no reason Caulfield couldn’t have turned the tables back on us.

“Fortunately for us the two openers took the game away and gave us another chance at a premiership.”

Eight players who featured in last season’s premiership against Kew.

Gudde, played four First XI matches prior to Christmas last season, and has scored 389 runs at 29.9 this season.

Hamish Winter-Irving signed for the Tigers at the start of the season. Picture: Facebook

Winter-Irving has enjoyed a strong first season since retiring from Premier Cricket with 26 wickets at 13.6.

Meanwhile, Nathan Taylor has established himself in the Tigers’ best line-up after crossing from Melton.

“The new guys in the group have slotted in really well and helped us become a better side,” O’Brien said.

“We want them to experience what we did last season and obviously we want that same feeling again.”

At the end of the home and away season, Werribee managed to pip Ormond to second place by just half-a-game.

In the only meeting between the two sides this year, the Tigers prevailed by 13 runs after overcoming a 108-run opening stand by Ormond at Chirnside Park.

“They’re a quality side and we know we’ll have to be at our best,” O’Brien said.

“They made a grand final last year and got beaten so they’ll be hungry to go one better.

“We’ve been in a similar position ourselves so we know just how hungry they’ll be to take home the premiership.”