Melbourne secure historic treble
Having won the Twenty20 and One-Day titles earlier in the season, the Demons secured the competition’s most coveted crown with a seven-wicket victory over Ringwood.
In the process they became the first side to win all three trophies in the same season.
Demons opener Mathew Begbie, who played the most significant knock of his Premier Cricket career as he paced his side’s run chase in the first innings with a sublime 93 from 197 balls, was awarded the John Scholes Medal.
Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers batsman Michael Hill was among the key contributors for the Demons, hammering a run-a-ball 43 in the first innings before smashing 79 (83) in the second, while state teammate Alex Keath shone late in the match with 4-44 and 50 not out.
Ryder Medal favourite Brenton McDonald, the younger brother of former Test all-rounder Andrew, also claimed 5-68 and made 34 as he set the tone for the Demons’ victory.
“It’s a tremendous effort from a great club and a great bunch of guys,” a jubilant Hill said.
“We knew we were going to be up against it against Ringwood, they always make you work for your wins.
“It was a first-class knock by (Begbie), a few of us got out around him, and Chris Thompson was probably the unsung hero.”
Having won the last of their back-to-back titles in 2008-09, the Rams’ bid for a third premiership in six seasons appeared on track when they posted 234 after being sent in thanks to a half-century to David King.
Fresh off four tons in his past six knocks, King top-scored with 56, while Bushrangers rookie Ian Holland chimed in with 32.
Skipper Ben Osborne (40) and Blair Allan (34) also provided valuable contributions but the Demons were able to make regular break throughs to constrict the Rams.
In reply, Begbie was the hero as he was the final man dismissed with his side 21 runs past the required total and he was ably supported by tail enders Pat Smith (22) and Chris Thompson (21), who provided invaluable contributions at the death.
For the Rams, Holland was the pick of the bowlers with 5-88, while King capped off a fine all-round display with 3-27.
With Ringwood needing a reverse outright to snatch victory, Osborne declared at 7-194 in the second innings to set the Dees 174 from 65 overs.
The premiers made light work of the total as skipper Andrew Kent (23*) hit the winnings runs to spark celebrations at the Junction.
In other results, Camberwell claimed a five-wicket victory over Prahran in the 2nd XI Grand Final, Melbourne defeated St Kilda by 29 runs in the 3rd XI and Melbourne University secured a seven-wicket win over Camberwell in the 4th XI.
To see a full scorecard from the Victorian Premier Cricket Grand Final, click here.
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