Lake Illawarra … at last

JOEL RITCHIE

IT TOOK Tony McCabe 18 seasons to win a South Coast cricket premiership … give or take about four-and-a-half hours.

McCabe’s Lake Illawarra side defeated Albion Park in one of the shortest South Coast deciders on record, snapping a two-final losing skid in the process.

The Croome Road Oval match didn’t start til 3.30pm on Saturday and went til 6.30pm. On day two play started at 11am and went til 12.30pm.

McCabe won the toss and sent Albion Park in to bat on a pitch affected by a downpour on Thursday night.

The Eagles, fresh off a record-breaking chase of 350 in the previous week’s semi-final, lasted 42.3 overs for 54 runs.

Tony Panecasio snared 5/11 off 11.3 overs (including six maidens) and was supported by Shane Cody (1/10), Mark Ulcigrai (1/17) and Brendan White (3/12).

Ulcigrai (17 not out) and White (29 not out) then combined for an unbroken, 48-run, fourth-wicket stand to guide the Lakers to the premiership.

Lake started day two at 2/1 after McCabe (0) and Shane Cody (1) were dismissed before stumps. Scott Ulcigrai (5) fell early on day two, leaving the Lakers at 3/10.

Sunday’s win was McCabe’s first premiership in three finals (including losses the previous two seasons with Lake Illawarra).

McCabe said winning the toss – and sending the Eagles in was a major factor in Lake Illawarra’s triumph.

“It was an unusual grand final – we’re honest enough to admit that we were helped by the toss,” McCabe said.

“Someone had to win the toss and someone had to lose it.”

McCabe also praised his side’s effort in the field on day one for restricting the Eagles.

“Our catching and fielding was sensational; everyone produced when they were called upon,” he said.

“We were 2/1 and 3/10 as well; if they had got some quick wickets then it could have been different.

“The deck had improved from day one to day two.”

And how did it feel to FINALLY win the premiership?

“It’s just awesome – players don’t get many chances, I’ve had four finals in 18 years,” McCabe said.

McCabe’s counterpart, Eagles skipper Dan Abela, agreed that the toss was a vital factor in the result.

“That was an important toss and it didn’t go our way,” he said.

“They caught well and bowled well; Lake are a good bunch of blokes and we enjoy playing them more than anyone else in the competition.”

While their first grade club mates were battling it out, Lake Illawarra also defeated Albion Park in the corresponding second grade decider.

The Lakers defeated the Eagles by four wickets at Geoff Shaw Oval.

Albion Park made 107 batting first, led by an unbeaten 75 from Warren Campion. Cameron Robinson (3/5) and Gary Knell (2/5) snared wickets for Lake Illawarra.

The Lakers passed the total with six wickets down, led by twin 22s from Craig Wills and Kerrod White. Jai Cajar (2/29) and Trent Glover (2/11) were the pick of Albion Park’s bowlers.

The Lakers were denied a trio of premierships when their third grade side lost to Oak Flats by 81 runs. They were restricted to 108 by a spell of 5/26 from Ben Tilling, who was supported by 2/17 by Gary Zelvis. Oak Flats amassed 6/189.

In fourth grade, Albion Park scored a 110-run win over Oak Flats. Oak Flats Vets defeated Gerringong in the fifth grade decider.