WOODFORD’S ever-growing dynasty continues to defy expectations.
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The Eels (7/222) clinched their second one-day premiership in as many years, downing a brave Russells Creek (196 all out) by 26 runs at Avery’s Paddock on Sunday.
The youth-laden outfit swamped captain Nick Butters upon dismissing Creek’s final batsman, ensuring heartbreak for the Jetty Flat faithful who are yet to lift a division one premiership.
Eels coach John Houston hailed the impact of Butters, who blasted seven fours and two sixes en route to a match-defining total of 84.
“I’m ecstatic,” he told The Standard just moments after lifting the one-day cup.
“They’re (Russells Creek) a brilliant side. They’ve got some very good players so to go out there and bat well to put a good score on the board … we probably thought the score was about par.
“It can be hard to keep motivation week after week but when we get close to finals, you really see the intensity and the endeavour come out. You see the young guys battle their butts off.”
Creek captain Cam Williams provided resistance for the runners up, smashing a quickfire half-century, while Paul Walker was also in strong form.
However, a tight bowling performance from Woodford meant Creek were forced to pile on near 10 runs an over in the dying moments of the game. Butters also starred with the ball, taking three wickets, while reliable quicks Hank Schlaghecke, Connor Richardson and Luke Wines stifled Creek’s batting attack.
Houston said he was proud the club had been able to produce young stars and blood them into the division one side.
“That’s always been the goal. Guys like Alex Jennings, Tyler Fowler, Tommy Jackson… They’ve taken their chances,” he said.
When we get close to finals, you really see the intensity and the endeavour come out.
- John Houston