The South Australian team became the first to win the tournament twice after its seven-wicket win over Colac-based Stoneyford in Thursday’s decider.

Just three players remained from the team that took out the competition back in its inaugural year – Shane Dycer, Shane Stevens and Bray Stephenson – but the latest crop of West Gambier players showed their worth in a convincing win.

After bowling the usually high-scoring Stoneyford out for just 100, West Gambier reached the target score with seven wickets and 5.2 overs in hand.

“Losing the toss and having to bowl first, we would’ve been happy with (restricting them to) 150, 160,” West Gambier captain Ryan Hosking said.

“For our boys to keep it real tight and really close was a great effort.”

Stoneyford’s hope to keep a win in its sights was not unrealistic after a stellar effort in its earlier semi-final saw it dismiss Warrnambool and District side Russells Creek for 86.

But it was not to be against West Gambier, which proved too strong with the bat.

Opener Niall Easterbrook set the foundations with a knock of 27, while player-of-the-final Bowen Hosking – who snared 3-15 earlier in the match – made 26 and Jason McCrae an unbeaten 33.

“Having six or seven guys that can all bat makes it really easy – if someone is not going, we’ll get someone else up,” captain Hosking said.

“It’s been one of our strengths all year that we’ve been able to bat really deep.”

Stoneyford’s Joe Dare continued his good form with the ball, claiming 2-33, while his brother Levi bowled an economic 0-9 off his four overs.

Levi acknowledged the achievement of his side in making the final, although the day ended on a disappointing note.

“We were playing really good cricket until the final,” the captain said.

“We started well, but then we lost 4-1 and probably five for about five. We were 2-50 then 3-62 when that happened.

“We were in a good spot and they got back-to-back wickets, which didn’t help. That’s what changed the game and put West Gambier in front.

“We tried to consolidate, but it didn’t leave us enough time to get the runs on the board.”

Earlier in the day, West Gambier defeated Panmure by five wickets, with McCrae and Jake Blackwell both making 38 runs. Ryan Hosking took 3-12. Daniel Meade was Panmure’s top performer with the bat, making 53.