From perennial battlers to premiers, New Town breaks 52-year drought

The last time New Town won the CTPL premiership, John Gorton was Australian Prime Minister and the only social media was the household landline – but it is the “loser” club no more.

IT is the “loser” club no more.

After a 52-year-drought, New Town is CTPL first grade premiers – and it achieved the feat in style.

The Bucks, who have endured the darkest of dark days during the title drought, even to the point where their existence has been questioned on more than one occasion, secured their first flag since 1969-70 with a five-wicket, first innings victory over South Hobart-Sandy Bat at the TCA Ground.

New Town wasn’t even in the top four going into the last round of the season, but also completed the season unbeaten in the two-day format and deserved titleholders.

Starting the day needing another 110 runs with seven wickets in hand, there was enough scope for the pressure to build and a choke to occur, but Roger Woolley Medallist as the final’s best player Anthony Mosca (139) and Ben Manenti (86) ensured this would be a historic and momentous day for the league’s perennial battler.

FINAL DAY CTPL CRICKET

While both fell with the finish line in sight, it was lest to Sam Wright to hit the winning runs and let the celebrations begin.

Mosca, the 30-year-old opener in his first season after moving down from Sydney, was fully aware of what the victory meant.

“I love every single bit of this. I know the club has been through a lot of years of hurt in not winning the competition,” Mosca said.

“I know who much it means for the supporters and the club itself. “

Mosca finished the season with three centuries and two fifties and has no plans on leaving his new home.

FINAL DAY CTPL CRICKET

“I plan on living life here and setting up camp for a long, long time,” he said.

“It is a great place to live, beautiful people, everyone is down to earth, and it is a great place Tasmania.

Victorious coach Peter Di Venuto said smart recruiting has not only brought short term success, but fast tracked their junior talent to ensure ongoing sustainability.

He said the support from past players and supporters was felt by this current group.

“They were all here and they all had sent messages or emails to me,” Di Venuto said.

“I’m really proud that they are still proud of the club and want to be a part of what the club’s doing and have an interest in the club because they know how hard it has been to get here.”

FINAL DAY CTPL CRICKET

For the Sharks, who made all three finals and won the one-day title, the turning point of the game came after they went from control at 3-270 to 346 all out, coach Harry Nichols said.

“You can’t hand momentum away like that in a game, especially a grand final,” Nichols said.

FINAL DAY CTPL CRICKET

“Having said that, we still would have backed ourselves to bowl at team out and defend 346 and to only create five chances, sometimes you’ve got to tip your hat and to Anthony, Harry (Manenti) and Ben, they’ve come down and performed brilliantly all year and won them a premiership.”