Mission complete: Russells Creek secures third flag in four seasons

The Matthew Petherick-led side stunned flag favourite Woodford - who was vying for its fourth major trophy of the summer - in a rain-dampened thriller at Avery's Paddock on Sunday.

Creek's dominance started almost immediately when openers Tim Ryan and Rukshan Weerasinghe put on a 121-run partnership after winning the toss and electing to bat on Saturday.

It finished with a total of 199. Woodford stumbled early - Luke Wines, Bailey Jenkinson and Kory Howlett were removed cheaply - but a middle-order partnership from Matt and Adam Wines pushed the Eels within reach.

Two key run outs - those of Matt Wines and Jarryd Lewis - swung the momentum and helped Creek record a 30-run victory.

Petherick, who equalled Warrnambool and District Cricket Association records with his 51st scalp of the season in the decider, said Creek "always had it in us".

"We've been working into some form. This past week against Brierly we really hit our straps with the ball," the delighted skipper said.

"It took a really good batting performance from Timmy Ryan and Rookie (Weerasinghe) to just set us a platform and get us to a decent total we could bowl to.

"That partnership up front won us the game."

Petherick said Ryan, who missed the semi-final triumph due to illness, showed mental fortitude after battles with form mid-season.

"Having gastro the week before, he wasn't looking great at training on Thursday," he said.

"He said he was at about 80 per cent out there.

"Credit to him. If there's ever a time to (score the best total of the season), it's in a grand final." The schoolteacher said winning the toss also helped Creek assert itself on the match. "I think it was a big toss to win," Petherick said. "I think (Woodford captain Nick Butters) would agree with that. Putting any total on the board, it's hard to chase in any final."

Matt Wines was named player of the match for a five-wicket haul and 31-run effort.

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