By Justin Flynn
After being relegated from the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade competition following the 2020/21 season, Barwon Heads has almost completed a rags to riches story.
Two seasons in A2 Grade was two too many for a club that was regularly winning A Grade premierships during the first decade of the century.
But an A2 Grade flag last season meant automatic promotion and this weekend the Seagulls will attempt to do the unthinkable – win the A1 premiership and put a dent in a decade of Anglesea dominancein which the Seas have won six of the past nine flags.
Barwon Heads defeated Armstrong Creek in the semi-final in what was a superb performance. Openers Max and Harry Melzer and leg-spinning all-rounder Dan Donaldson are the in-form players.
“That was a tough contest which holds us in good stead for a grand final this week,” coach Ben Harris said.
“We got most aspects of the game pretty right on the weekend. I thought we did well up top with Max and Harry and Dan Donaldson came in and played a support role as well.
“And you know 245, it’s a big score (and we knew) they would have to do a lot right to chase it down and we felt that we fielded well and our bowlers did a great job.”
Harris said the club respected Anglesea’s recent dominance and its win against Barrabool in the semi-final by batting 75 overs after being in some trouble.
“They’re always up for the fight, they are a well-drilled team,” he said.
“They’ve been thereabouts the last six years. They were in trouble, but they ended up batting the 75 overs. They are a tough nut to crack and they’ve got five or six good bowlers. We’re going to have to bat well and we’re looking forward to the opportunity.”
Anglesea skipper Dylan Taylor said his side’s gutsy semi-final win was good preparation and believes the winner will be the side that bats best.
“I think it’s always good to be challenged and see how the boys go in those situations,” he said.
“I think it’s where we can get on top of each other’s bowling. Barwon Heads have two high quality spinners in Sam Schaller and Dan Donaldson, who bowl really tight and they’re smart bowlers.”
Taylor said there was no extra expectation to raise Anglesea’s premiership streak to five in a row.
“I think this year is a bit different,” he said.
“We’ve got four or five new guys and I know they’re very hungry to win it, so it keeps us old guys going along and keeps us hungry. We will just do what we’ve done in previous years and try and keep it as normal as possible and just play like a normal game.”
The BPCA grand finals are on Saturday March 23 and Sunday March 24 from 1pm with a reserve day on March 30 if required.
A1 GRADE
Anglesea vs Barwon Heads at Bob Pettitt Reserve, Jan Juc
A2 GRADE
Collendina vs Drysdale at Len Trewin Reserve, St Leonards
B1 GRADE
Ocean Grove vs Barrabool at Armstrong Creek West Oval
B2 GRADE
Queenscliff vs Wallington at Drysdale Recreation Reserve
C GRADE
Ocean Grove vs Barrabool at Armstrong Creek East Oval
D GRADE (one-day game)
Queenscliff vs Wallington at RT Fuller Oval, Barwon Heads
