Mortlake cricket club player Tyler Schafer 17 will play in South West Cricket Division 1 Final on Saturday.130320DW20 Picture DAMIAN WHITE
HE was the hero of last year's South West Cricket grand final, stepping up to the crease with a broken collarbone when victory looked near impossible to help take Mortlake to a drought-breaking premiership.
But a year on, Mortlake teenager Tyler Schafer is coy about his role in the victory.
"I just did what I had to do," he said yesterday.
In that epic final, Schafer walked to the crease, bat hanging loosely in his hands, when Mortlake appeared done, sitting on 9-91 and chasing 118 on the final day of play.
Schafer made only three runs with the assistance of a runner.
But his resolute defence ensured partner Josh Barr remained on strike to score enough runs for the Cats to clinch victory and their first premiership in 26 years.
On Saturday, the Cats will take on Pomborneit in their third grand final appearance in as many years.
Schafer has played in each and said last year's win had extra meaning.
"It had been a long time since the last premiership, so for a lot of the older guys it was a very emotional victory," he said.
"It was great for them and great for the club. Hopefully we can go back-to-back. I'm quietly confident we can.
"I think our bowling attack is better than theirs, but the key will be to take out their top three batsmen."
The young opening batsman has come into form in recent weeks, notching 75 runs in the final round against Heytesbury Rebels and 43 not out in last week's wash-out preliminary final.
Schafer described his season as slightly down on last year.
"There hasn't been a huge downturn in runs or anything like that, but I've definitely been down on last year," he said.
"I'm just lucky to have hit form at the right end of the season."
Schafer said his preparations for Saturday's grand final, at the Camperdown turf, had been slightly different to normal.
"We've only played about three games on a turf wicket this year, so it's going to be different and I'll have to adjust for that," he said. "I've been talking with Shane Slater about how I can change my game and I'm confident I can do well."
And, like last year, Schafer is prepared to give it his all.
"I'll do whatever it takes to get that win," he said.
jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au