Holland leads Rams to Final win
Winning Premiership flags is never easy.
But when you’ve got an Ian Holland in your side it makes the job just that little bit simpler.
The all-rounder, who finished the season with 724 runs and 52 wickets, became just the second player in Premier Cricket history to hit a century and bag a five-for in a Grand Final.
He joins Sam Loxton who achieved the feat for Prahran in 1954-55.
Predictably Holland walked away with the John Scholes Medal for a stunning performance which backed up his 137 against Carlton in the semi-final.
Holland was supported by his Ringwood teammates who dug in on a tense final morning to secure a 167-run victory over Monash Tigers.
Chasing Ringwood’s 351, Allan Wise’s side started day three on 7-63.
They were given a boost when it was announced that Commonwealth Bank Bushranger Cameron White would replace Matt Shimell and come in at the fall of the first wicket.
He didn’t have to wait long to taste the action when Jack Taylor was caught by Paddy Ashton off Brendan Walsh for 15.
The Bear entered the lion’s den, looking to bat his Tigers to a respectable score.
Dom Matarazzo was calm under pressure at the other end, and the pair pushed their side past the 100 mark at drinks.
Matarazzo slashed his way to an excellent 50, and White followed with back-to-back boundaries to keep the Tigers in with a faint sniff of victory at 8-173.
But Rams skipper Tom Stray had an ace up his sleeve – the aforementioned Holland, who was coiled and ready to spring.
In his first over back he dropped one short to White who pulled the ball straight to Jonty Rushton at square-leg for a breezy 61, and with it all hope disappeared.
Last man Wise could only look on when Matt Fotia had Matarazzo caught by Walsh for a brave 63, as Ringwood sealed victory.
Stray was full of praise for his battling troops after picking up his winners medal.
“We obviously know how hard we’ve worked, it’s a really nice way to finish the year,” he said.
“To the supporters, thanks for everything. It’s really enjoyable playing at this place (Ringwood) because not only do we have a great bunch of guys, it’s a fantastic group and a fantastic bunch of supporters.
“To Wisey and the Richmond boys, we got told we were lucky to be here, but we kept going. For you guys to get your firsts and seconds into a Grand Final, that doesn’t happen by accident.”
Ringwood’s clinical day three performance brought an end to yet another exciting Premier final showdown.
It was the Rams’ third Premier flag after their back-to-back wins in 2007-08 and 2008-09. Tom Stray, Joe Loorham, David King and Brendan Walsh are the four Rams to play in all three.
To view a complete scorecard, click here.
In the Men’s Premier Seconds Final, Monash Tigers were crowned champions, St Kilda won the Thirds and Ringwood claimed the Fourths.
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