WOODFORD is hoping its maiden Warrnambool and District Cricket Association division one premiership is the first step towards an extended period of dominance.
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The Eels are celebrating their breakthrough flag after accounting for East Warrnambool-YCW at Reid Oval yesterday — five years after making a grand final in their top-grade debut season.
Jake Burgess sealed the historic victory when he took a catch off the bowling of Tyler Fowler to dismiss Broncos veteran Jason Alberts, sparking emotional scenes as Eels’ players ran to celebrate the 93-run triumph.
Jubilant Woodford coach John Houston said it was fantastic to see the club’s vision of division one success come to fruition.
Houston — one of three veterans in a youth-laden side — said the Eels would bask in their success for the time being but were hopeful of building a reputation as a finals powerhouse.
“You never know from year to year (what will happen) and that’s why you have to seize the moment when it comes,” Houston said.
“But I firmly believe we have the makings of a side that can continue to do that and East have got some good young talent in there as well so hopefully both clubs can be successful.”
Woodford joined the WDCA's top grade in 2010-11 and had an immediate impact, finishing runner-up to send a warning to its competitors.
It missed out on a finals berth the following summer but made semi-finals the past two seasons before earning another grand final spot.
Houston, who crossed from Dennington five seasons ago to help lead Woodford, said he was overjoyed when Burgess took the final catch.
“It was bloody unbelievable,” he said.
“It is the moment we’d been hoping for since we’ve been in division one.
“It is a great feeling for everybody, not only just the 11 or 12 who were on the ground but the others who have been involved in it too.”
Houston, who played alongside his son Jayvan, was full of praise for first-year captain Nick Butters, predicting a bright future for the emerging leader.
“You couldn’t ask any more of him,” he said.
“He’s always had leadership qualities. It was a perfect opportunity for him to come in and assert some authority and play the game his way, which he’s done.
“He’s a super guy, a super captain and he really backs himself.
“He’s got a lot of knowledge of the game for a 21-year-old.”
Butters said he was humbled to lead the Eels to the pinnacle.
He labelled the breakthrough win a massive moment for the Bushfield Recreation Reserve-based club.
“Because we don’t have a turf wicket, teams are sort of wondering why we’re in division one and I think it shows when we come out and play cricket like that, that we deserve our spot,” he said.
The Eels’ triumph yesterday came against another side battling for its first division one flag with the Broncos playing in their first finals series in their 40-year history.
Woodford won the toss and opted to bat first at Reid Oval.
The Wines brothers — Luke and Adam — were influential with the bat, helping the Eels post 178 on day one.
Luke made 48 opening the batting and Adam topscored with 51.
The Broncos dismissed the Eels’ lower order cheaply, with veteran Jason Alberts (3-30) the main destroyer.
East Warrnambool-YCW had a horror start to its run chase yesterday, losing openers Jethro Serle and Tim Ryan for ducks to be reeling at 2-0.
Captain-coach Mark Murphy led the Broncos’ recovery mission with 47 but had little help as his side was all out for 85 in 38 overs.
Butters said he was content defending 178.
“It was pretty slow yesterday so it was probably the equivalent of a 220,” he said.
“The guys just bowled exceptionally well today, particularly Hank, which was terrific.”
Murphy predicted East Warrnambool-YCW would bounce back next season.
“You remember how this feels and you come back next year with a bit of fire in the belly,” he said.
“We’ll come out firing from round one no doubt.”
Murphy, who lamented the Broncos’ inability to build partnerships, was full of praise for the Eels.
“They batted really well. They’ve been the side to beat all year and it’s a real credit to the Woodford Cricket Club and to Nick Butters as captain and John Houston as coach,” he said.
“They’ve done a terrific job since they’ve come into division one.”
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au