THE clash of the best two Far South Coast Cricket Association C grade sides in the grand final was an epic match on Saturday at Bodalla Oval.
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Southern Eurobodalla Cricket Club hosted Mallacoota and was keen to change the result of its previous two matches against the club.
Pirates' captain Boyd Brennan decided to send Mallacoota into bat and the gamble soon paid off as the Pirates reduced Mallacoota's powerful batting line up to 4/33 at drinks.
The visitors never recovered from the Pirates’ blitz and limped to 9.86 from its allotted 40 overs.
The Far South Coast Cricket Association’s C grade champion player of the year, Ty Hitchins, collected figures of 3/11 for the Pirates.
The rest of the wickets were shared between the side’s bowlers.
In reply, Southern Eurobodalla’s top order was under pressure when it was reduced to 3/34.
Brennan, who was stout in his defence as opener, was joined by Steve Benic and the pair chipped away at the total.
When the Pirates were on 62, Benic (20) was trapped leg before wicket and the two sides went to drinks.
After the break Brennan and Nathan McDairmid bludgeoned several deliveries to the boundary to hastily close in on the win.
When the Pirates were on 86, McDairmid was bowled for 14 and the game was tied.
Simon Hitchins finished the game off, while Brennan maintained his composure to bat through the innings to remain 19 not out.
Brennan said celebrations “erupted” after the final run as Southern Eurobodalla won its inaugural Far South Coast Cricket Association premiership.
“I was happy with the effort, especially with the ball and in the field,” he said.
He also praised the contribution of all players throughout the season.
“A special thanks to the younger players who will learn from the experience.”