West Warrnambool's Luke Gannon knew just that and ensured he scored plenty of them.

Gannon's 97 helped the Panthers set 225 in their Warrnambool and District Cricket Association division two decider.

It proved a match-winning knock.

The Creekers were bundled out 99 in reply.

They were 9-79 before the tail wagged and put on an extra 19 runs.

Damon Harrison took four wickets and Anthony Hawken three for the Panthers.

Gannon celebrated his birthday in style and was named man of the match for his starring role in the 127-run win at Walter Oval on Sunday.

"We had a couple of beers last night and a bit of pizza but the eyes were firmly focussed on winning today,." he said post game.

"Tonight we can have a couple of beers and celebrate a few different things, the birthday being one of them."

"I am rapt to be part of it with these guys, particularly my mate here (captain Mark McLean), it's been a pretty long road for him over the last couple of seasons so it's great to see the reward go his way."

McLean said Gannon's performance was first-class.

Gannon was caught on the fence just three runs short of a century.

"Luke's innings was spectacular and was exactly what we needed," McLean said.

"We were in trouble, we were 4-51 or something like that, and we realised we needed to get a couple of little partnerships going and we were able to do that on the back of 'Gaz's innings."

McLean said crucial partnerships then helped West Warrnambool regain the momentum.

The Panthers were 7-205 at stumps on day one and resumed on day two, adding a further 20 runs.

"With three wickets in hand at the end of the day (on Saturday) we were able to bat a few more overs today to put a bit more pressure on," he said.

McLean said the premiership was reward for his players' hard work throughout the summer.

"It is what you play for at the start of the season and you look forward to this day hoping you're going to be there," he said.

"We've been there in the past and haven't got the chocolates so to be on the right end of the stick is a good feeling."

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