By Mark Heenan
Ocean Grove scored a resounding eight-wicket win over Newcomb to claim this season’s BPCA B Grade title at Drysdale Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
It was Ocean Grove’s third B Grade title in the four seasons.
Grubber gun bat Pat Kuipers who played in his first B Grade premiership for Ocean Grove against Queenscliff in 2009/10, said play was delayed on day one due to rain.
“When we got down to the ground…the ground was wet and we had rolled towels to dry the ground and dry the pitch – I didn’t think we were going to get a start and Newcomb weren’t interested in from ball one,” Kuipers said.
“It was a surreal feeling – I could not believe we had a result in a day.”
Ocean Grove bowler Matt Bellingham was a main catalyst with his stunning bowling performance.
Bellingham ripped the heart out of Newcomb’s batting line up with 6/23 from 14 overs.
“Matt has got a lot of experience, most of it on turf coming to the club this season,” Kuipers said.
“He was the spite in our attack and he gave us a bit more sting with ball and it certainly worked.”
The higher ranked Newcomb was rolled for only 85 from 33 overs.
In reply Ocean Grove finished at 2/86 from 19 overs to record a comfortable victory.
Opener Kuipers got the Grubbers off to a flyer and hit four boundaries in his innings of 28.
Grubber batsman Jay Dawson top scored with 38.
Kuipers said the B Grade premiership was indicative of the Grubbers strong depth.
“We have got a lot of young boys coming through and they are starting to stand up which is great for the club,” he said.
“The improvement through the boys that have been at the club is actually starting to step up and (they are) showing their true potential.”
