It was a remarkable end to a week of drama for SWC, which faced relegation from division three just days before soaking up premiership glory.

Skipper Steve Castle was full of praise for his side which beat Wangaratta by three wickets, overtaking its score on the 36th over.

But it wasn’t easy. After bowling Wangaratta all out for 167 the side faced an ugly start with opener Craig Sargeant being dismissed with the second ball.

“That really wasn’t the start we needed,” Castle said.

“But I told the fellas if we are going to do this we need to be aggressive and bat confidently.”

Castle’s words appeared to have no impact, especially after Tim Place was dismissed straight after Sergeant to have South West looking shaky at 2-19.

Then things turned upwards. Castle stepped up to the crease and, with Terang’s Tom McKenzie, established a partnership that took the score to 85, before McKenzie was dismissed.

Fortunately, Castle continued his winning form with another Terang bastman Ben Grinter. They put an extra 52 on the board before Castle was out.

SWC was 5-138 by the 28th over and the skipper could smell victory.

“We had scored quickly and were lucky not to lose early wickets.

“Our attack had improved and I thought we could do this.”

Grinter was 35 not out while Mortlake’s Todd Lamont was still in the game after pegging nine on the board when SWC overtook Wangaratta’s score.

Castle was excited about the prospect of playing Warrnambool in division two next year.

WDCA was relegated from the provincial division after it failed to win a match all week. “Warrnambool is a good side and today South West proved it could play the best,” Castle said.

“There are no guarantees that we will draw Warrnambool next year but it would be great to play them. It has been an amazing week.

“We were feeling a bit dejected after losing our first two games but then we settled down and just kept on improving.”

SWC was elevated to division three after it took out the division four premiership last year.