By MARK HEENAN
ANGLESEA fought off a spirited challenge from a gallant Collendina to claim their first ever BPCA A Grade premiership title on Sunday March 12.
It was a great result for the BPCA’s southern-most club on the Surf Coast, who lost to Drysdale in the league A Grade decider by 27 runs in 2014-’15.
Anglesea, who scraped into fourth place defeated home and away season ladder leaders Portarlington in their semi-final earlier this month to make the league grand final.
Batting first in the league’s A Grade season decider played at Ocean Grove, Collendina were all bowled out for 146 despite facing 74.3 overs on day one.
“In the back of my mind I thought we were 20 or 30 runs short,” Collendina Cricket Club co-coach Corey Walter told the Voice.
Cobra pair Richie Peters and Nathan Walter equal top scored with the bat after making 32.
In reply, Anglesea won by eight wickets after finishing the match at 2/147 from 51.2 overs.
The Anglesea duo of Ned Cooper and Peter Radford were the stars with the bat.
“To be honest we did not bowl as well what we have the last few weeks, we bowled a bit looser and they (Anglesea) got on top of us and probably batted us out of the game,” he said. While disappointed after the game, the seasoned Cobra star cricketer Walter stated Anglesea deserved their victory.
Collendina made the BPCA A Grade final after defeating Jan Juc by six wickets in their semi-final clash on March 5-6.
“They batted really well (on day two) and outplayed us,” Walter said.
“Very disappointed, we went into the game positive … we are just as good as what Anglesea but they outplayed us over the two days.
“They (Anglesea) deserved to win.
“Having said that we are still proud how far we have come this year, we had a real crack.
“I think there are some good times for us going forward.”
