GSCA 2023-24: Premiership-winning captain James Barritt couldn’t be prouder of Broomehill flag three-peat

Lifting the Great Southern Cricket Association title for a third consecutive year will be forever cherished by Broomehill’s two-time premiership captain James Barritt. Broomehill’s golden era continued on Saturday after securing their third straight premiership in the Great Southern Cricket Association by defeating Tambellup by eight wickets. Broomehill have been a powerhouse of the competition in recent years but faced a spirited Tambellup outfit who made a dream run to the grand final after qualifying from fourth on the ladder. But after a consummate bowling performance from Broomehill’s pace attack, Tambellup were skittled for just 120 in the 42nd over before Kyle Potter walloped an unbeaten 74 as the hosts cruised past Tambellup’s score in the 23rd over. An emotional James Barritt said he was extremely chuffed with his team’s effort on the day in a town he is proud to call his home. “I’m very proud and I love this little town. I did all my schooling here and obviously got a farm here and I just love the place,” he said. “Very emotional sort of place for us and I couldn’t be happier, I couldn’t be prouder. “The three-peat was the aim all year and we have a great group of young boys and great culture here, we just love getting around each other. “We just back each other to do well, so it feels great.” Jack Batchelor and Ethan Caldwell combined to dismiss Tambellup openers Connor Hawkins and Flynn Cristinelli cheaply before adding No.4 Nathan Willmott for a duck as the visitors slumped to 3-15. Devon Cristinelli smashed a quickfire 27, including four boundaries, as he and Shane Willmott added a vital 40 runs for the fourth wicket. But when Broomehill star all-rounder Lewis Barritt snared three quick wickets, Tambellup’s innings began to unravel, losing their final seven wickets for 65 runs. Lewis Barritt starred with 3-15 from nine overs while James Barritt, Batchelor and Caldwell each chipped in with two wickets. Tambellup’s Shane Wilmott played a lone hand with the bat scoring a herculean 42 from 99 balls as he watched eight of his teammates come and go. The two-time premiership-winning captain said his team’s success was on the back of a tight-knit squad that ran far deeper than the 11 men that took the field on grand final day. “It was a real team effort, everyone bowled and everyone played their role,” James Barritt said. “We only had the five bowlers today but they all did their job and kept them to a pretty low total so we’re happy with that. “We had 14 here today and the old school cricket saying ‘the 11 is the 11’ is not the case here in Broomehill. “It’s a 14-man squad and everyone’s equal.” The home side continued their dominance in the run chase led by Potter who smashed 74 from 66 balls that included 10 boundaries, with four clearing the rope. Tambellup were forced to bowl full and straight in an effort to pick up quick wickets but Potter was up to the task depositing his opponents to all ends of the park. Potter was named player of the final after his spectacular knock that lifted Broomehill to a dominant three-peat victory. Batchelor contributed 30 runs before Mac Crichton chipped in with 15 not out as Broomehill passed Tambellup’s total with ease.