Grand final victory for Collingwood Park’s C-grade team caps perfect season

Collingwood Park completed the perfect season after claiming a 31-run win in the Albany and Districts Cricket Association C-grade grand final on Saturday at Hard North. Park went through the regular season undefeated, won their qualifying final and, despite being challenged early in the decider, they proved too strong for rivals Narrikup. Young bowler Kaleb Germain was named player of the final after snaring two prized wickets at the top of the Narrikup batting order, helping his side defend 166. After winning the toss and batting first, Park slipped to 4-48 before Hayden Burling and Buddy Robinson produced a terrific 45-run stand that helped swing the match back in their favour. Buddy Robinson fell for 14 but vital middle-order contributions from Burling (38 from 42 balls) and fellow veteran Ian Waugh (28 from 41) ensured their side would reach a strong total. Waugh was one of three wickets for spinner James Morris but a late cameo from Jim Darmody (18) guided Park to 9-166 from their 40 overs. Morris snared 3-34 from his eight overs while Stella Boyce (2-30) and Steve Tupluk (2-44) also took multiple wickets. But Narrikup’s run chase got off to a terrible start as Germain claimed the two key wickets. He removed Morris for a third-ball duck and then had them reeling at 2-11 when he crashed a ball into the stumps to dismiss John Miell for only six. Gavin Boyce made a patient 16 before he was trapped in front by Buddy Robinson to leave Narrikup 3-43. Graeme Weinert ended a brisk knock from Ashley Hornby (20) and then when Rodney Light was removed for three, Narrikup were facing a tall order. Jeremy Watson remained at the crease and gave Narrikup a flicker of hope but the run rate continued to climb. O’Shea Durack snared his second wicket to put the clamps on even further and despite some late hitting from Watson, his side fell short in the chase. Watson was unbeaten on 57 from 103 balls but his side could only manage 7-135 from their 40 overs. Germain finished with 2-16 from six overs and fellow opener Waugh was difficult to get away, returning 0-10 from eight overs. Buddy Robinson (2-18) and Weinert (1-29) also played important roles in Park’s premiership triumph.