THE division one side failed to get the job done but Allansford still has a piece of summer silverware thanks to its division two cricketers.
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The Gators beat Nestles by 44 runs at Dennington on Sunday to capture the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association (WDCA) division two one-day title.
Allansford made 8-231 after winning the toss and batting first, thanks to openers Geoff Parsons (81) and Matt Forsyth (53).
Nestles was admirable in its run chase and at one stage was on track for a memorable win, but gave away wickets all too regularly throughout its innings.
The Factory were well positioned at 2-110 but lost 6-38 during the middle stages before finishing all out for 187.
The catalyst was Gators medium-pacer Jarrod Croft, who took four wickets during the blitz, including that of James Gear, who top scored for the Factory with 43.
Allansford coach Stephen Blacker said his side included four players in their teens, while another three were in their early 20s.
He said the win held the Gators in good stead should they make regular-season finals in March.
“It was a pretty even game. The toss was crucial because we definitely had the best of the conditions in terms of batting first,” he said.
“It was pretty stifling out there at some points. Runs on the board in a final are pretty significant.
“With the heat and all that, they were right in it until they started to lose wickets.”
Blacker said Parsons and Croft were the two pivotal players in the match. “Obviously Geoff was man of the match with 80, but if I had to give out two medals, I’d give one to Jarrod as well. He was sensational,” Blacker said.
“In really hot weather he bowled nine overs straight and took 4-30. He played very well.”
Blacker, who also coaches the Gators’ division one side, said at least half the side could play in the first XI, a reflection of the depth at the club.
“Justin Fedley has played in the ones, Harry Bond has played in the ones. I’d be quite happy throwing Jarrod Croft in the ones, it wouldn’t worry me,” he said.
“There are five or six who could quite easily handle it.”
West Warrnambool defeated Allansford by six wickets at Jones Oval to capture the WDCA division one one-day title.
