Richmond claims fairytale flag

Having been starved of success over the past decade, the Tigers put the finishing touches on a fairytale season- which included an emotional move from their spiritual base for more than 150 years at Punt Road to Glen Waverley- by triumphing over the defending champions in empathic fashion.

During a disciplined bowling performance, the Tigers restricted the Panthers to 237 on day one, overhauling the target with five wickets in hand before grinding their opponents into submission.

Having reached 8-357, a lead of 120 early on day three, the Panthers needed just 67 minutes to concede defeat with Richmond claiming its first flag since 1999-2000.

Star all-rounder Will Sheridan was awarded the John Scholes Medal after claiming 3-65 and clipping 69, edging out teammates Ryan Carters (102) and Brenton McDonald (3-49 and 77 not out) for the accolade.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Sheridan said.

“It was such a strong team performance, all the way through the finals we had an even spread, that’s what makes this so special is because every single player has contributed.

“I thought I was a little lucky to win the medal. Carts’ knock was incredible and I thought Brenton McDonald changed the game with his three wickets and then batted them out of it in the middle.

“It’s a sweet victory.”

The Panthers’ innings was built on the back of a defiant 97 from Brett Forsyth, with the Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers rookie the last man out after a 242-ball stay at the top of the order that included nine boundaries.

Michael Sweeney (34) and James Nanopoulos (28) provided cameos, but the total always appeared sub-par.

In reply, a 105-run stand between Carters and Sheridan took the match away from the Panthers, with Sheridan hammering 10 boundaries and two sixes in his 76-ball knock.

Carters, in comparison, was much more watchful, absorbing 252 balls during his five hours and 19 minutes in the middle before eventually falling just after posting his ton.

McDonald then steered the side open to cap off a brilliant performance in the Kookaburra Premier Cricket Final.

Click here for complete scores from the 2011-12 Kookaburra Premier Cricket Final.