Woodford defeats Merrivale to clinch second consecutive under 17 Twenty20 premiership

Woodford’s mantra paid dividends on Friday, with the powerhouse club lifting its second-successive under 17 Twenty20 grand final in a comfortable triumph over Merrivale.

The success is a reflection of the Bushfield club’s division one outfit – who is in the hunt for a fourth-consecutive two-day premiership.

Woodford coach Ashley Jennings described a 140-run partnership between Portland teen Jordi Withers and Liam Burgess as instrumental.

“It just took one partnership and that’s often all it takes in Twenty20 cricket. We spoke about that before the game got underway,” Jennings said.

“They put on 140 and that was just the game. It was more than Merrivale made all up in their 20 overs and that put a lot of pressure on them to chase 180-odd. 

“That’s not easy to do.”

Withers blasted 76, while Burgess, a division one player, managed 64.

Jennings said both players were vital to the Eels’ season.

“Jordi has played junior cricket for Victoria and Liam has improved a lot. They’re both quality players and that shows,” he said.