OLD GEELONG CRICKET CLUB WIN MAIDEN GRAND FINAL
The Old Geelong Cricket Club have won their maiden grand final at the first time of asking, claiming a dramatic two-wicket win with a solitary ball to spare.
The 1st XI boys just got across the line yesterday, thanks to a disciplined bowling effort which restricted Old Xavier to 151. Old Xav's hit back getting early wickets and at one point we were three wickets down for only two runs. Their bowlers were in no mood to give away easy runs and OGCC were made to work hard for everything.
However, the Weddell brothers (who appear to enjoy tormenting Old Xavier) put together a partnership which looked like we might get into it until we lost Bertie and then Herdy in quick succession.
Henry kept his cool though and he was joined by Jimmy Ratcliffe, who showed great courage and determination and despite needing six runs an over, the two of them put together another partnership which got us back on track, until Rat lost his wicket.
This brought Cam Russell to the wicket. Its fair to say Rusty's batting has not had the opportunities to reach its potential and he has struggled to middle the ball as he use to.
But 'cometh the hour cometh the man' and needing seven runs off the last over with Rusty facing he rocked back to a moderately short ball and pulled it past short mid-wicket sending it to the boundary. He then got off strike and Henry finished off a fine innings (finishing on 60 odd) winning the game with two balls to spare.
In nearly 30 years of playing cricket this was one of the greatest wins I have ever seen. Not only that but I am pretty sure we are the first club in our time to win from 4th position and the two teams we defeated (Melbourne High School Old Boys and Old Xavier) are very good teams.
For this group of guys to win this flag it's something that can never be taken away from them or the club and will be the inspiration for players in seasons to come.
I'd like to congratulate Jimmy Ratcliffe in particular for his inspired leadership, but to all the guys who played in the 1st XI this year well done.