By ROY WARD
– Click here for our picture gallery of the grand final
BUCKLEY Ridges claimed its second DDCA turf 1 premiership in four years with a resounding win over Mordialloc at Keysborough Reserve on Saturday.
After rain reduced play on the first weekend, the Ridges resumed on 3-162 and stormed to an unbeatable position, smashing 180 runs in a furious 20-over session to start the day.
DJ Watson made 188 not out and Greg Todd made 54 and captain-coach Marc Calkin 43 as they posted 5-342.
The Bloods lost an early wicket and were never really in the run chase as experienced spinner Wes Nicholas snared 6-41 from 15.2 overs and Todd added 2-24 as the Bloods were bowled out for 107 in 47 overs.
Calkin, who won’t return to the club next season, praised his players for their performances throughout the season.
“We just kept pushing through. We got a little bit of luck but everything we did came off and when you can score 180 runs in 20 overs, it’s fantastic,” he said.
“Our bowlers were awesome and for someone like Wes, who hasn’t had the best season, takes six wickets, it shows his quality.”
Calkin said he was proud to have taken the Ridges to a premiership but needed to stay at home in Darwin next summer.
“I’ve been happy here as you know and I’m really happy I decided to come to this club and wish them well for the future. But I will need to stay in Darwin next season.”
Lyndale has won the right to move up to turf 1 next season after cruising to victory in the turf 2 grand final on Saturday, beating Cranbourne. After bowling Cranbourne out for 160 with Matt Gallagher’s 6-43, the Dales stormed to 1-163 with Dale Tormey (57) and Jaime Brohier (39 not out).
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