Dolphins chasing premiership glory after revival

LORNE will compete for its first cricket premiership in over a decade, just two seasons into its return from a 10-year absence in Colac’s local competitions.

The Dolphins will play off against Tomahawk Creek, the team they defeated a fortnight ago in the semi-final, in this season’s Colac District Cricket Association Division 3 Grand Final tomorrow (Saturday, March 9) afternoon.

First XI captain Louis Coates said a lot of hard work had gone into the making of this season’s Grand Final, from the players down to club officials.

“As a club, we hadn’t had a side since about 2012 until we fielded one for the first time in 10 years in 2022, and then last season we just missed out on finals.

“This season we were at the top of the ladder for the most part of the season, before finishing second, but now we’re through to a granny.

“It feels so much work has paid off and so much work behind the scenes too. Everyone is just so stoked there’s a team going again and with everyone putting into this team, everyone is so happy we’re through to the decider.”

The Dolphins skipper said his side would need to work as a cohesive unit – a major factor in the side’s 28-run win two weeks ago – tomorrow at Colac Secondary College oval.

“Tomahawk Creek are a very disciplined side; they bowl very tight, so we need to try and match that and be on in the field to limit their runs,” Coates said.

“We did that really well the last time we played. We had a couple of run outs there as well, so as cliché as it is, it really was a team effort. Everyone contributed and hopefully we can replicate that this weekend.”

Lorne’s most recent senior premiership was in 2010 (Division 3).

One-day play (40 overs each) will begin from 12pm to decide this year’s CDCA Division 3 premiers.