Upwey-Tecoma veterans take flag to cap fine season

UPWEY-TECOMA’s Veteran XI has taken out the club’s first premiership of the 2006/07 cricket season.
Finishing in fourth position after the regular season, the Tigers firstly knocked out the previously undefeated Wantirna South in last week’s semi-final and then capped a memorable season defeating second-placed Johnson Park in the final at Fair Park on Sunday.
The final started well with captain Glenn Kirby winning the toss and electing to bat in ideal conditions. Tony Portelli (30), Craig Waters (36) and Warren Haysom (27) got the team off to a flyer before Johnson Park hit back with some tight bowling. Kevin Hayward (28) then carried the side through to 8/162 at the close of the innings.
Requiring disciplined bowling and desperate fielding, the Tigers set about defending their total in the typically tense atmosphere of a grand final.
Brilliantly led by man-of-the-match Craig Waters (2/21) and Damien Lane (2/20), the Tigers were up to the task and managed to restrict The Sharks to 8/155.
The final will best be remembered for the outstanding spirit in which it was played by both sides and was a credit to the veterans competition.
While the Tigers deservedly walked away with the prize, cricket was the big winner on the day.