Roos’ fourth-straight crown up with the best

ANGLESEA Cricket Club’s Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association (BPCA) dynasty has continued a year longer with a dramatic five-run win over long-standing rivals Jan Juc.

The Roos’ five-run win cemented the club’s sixth flag in eight years and fourth premiership in a row, bowling out the Sharks for 146 runs off 71 overs.

When Anglesea player and club president Brett Venables was asked to describe the win, he used one word: “proud”.

“We’ve obviously had a few departures from the club since last season, and for us to stick to our guns and firstly make the final, then win it after 147 overs, it was a special Sunday,” Venables said.

Venables, who totalled 32 runs himself, commended teammate and keeper Tyron Norman for staying in the crease on Day 1, one of several key moments over the weekend.

“Ty batting 73 overs was one of the moments that sticks out to me immediately,” Venables said.

“Without that, we don’t win. Darcy Elliott and Dylan Taylor’s bowling was phenomenal and our pressure in the field was enormous. We just continue to find a way and we did it once again when it mattered most.”

Norman made 53 runs and notched seven dismissals, including six catches on his way to being named best-on-ground.

The Roos were doubted from the get-go in 2022/23, losing its two powerhouses Ned Cooper and Dale Kerr to GCA mammoth North Geelong, but it only added to the fire according to Venables.

“This year’s win is clearly number one for us,” Venables added.

“After losing the two boys that we lost, Ned and Dale, people were quick to write us off calling us a two-man team and such, and for our core group to find a way and stick fat, it is easily the best win we’ve had throughout the years, it means a lot.”

Jan Juc has fallen to Anglesea in four-straight Grand Finals and will look to bounce back once again in 2023/24 under player-coach Nick Hyden.