LAKE Illawarra claimed South Coast cricket's triple crown after a titanic struggle with arch-rivals Oak Flats in the Premier League premiership final at Croom Cricket Oval.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Lakers claimed first innings victory on Saturday - in which 19 wickets fell and both teams were bowled out - before sealing victory with a backs-to-the-wall batting effort on day two.
A roller-coaster match swung both ways. Lakers rolled the Rats for 106 and scored 1-71 on day one. Oak Flats fought back taking 8-47 to dismiss the minor premiers for 121 and only trail by 15 runs.
Oak Flats were then 7-53 in their second dig before skipper Ryan Chatterton's 48 and Rob McMahon's 37 took them to 146 and a grandstand finish.
The Lakers were reeling at 5-44, but with man-of-the-match Aaron Henry (28 not out) refusing to concede, Lake (6-78) batted through to stumps to claim the prized triple crown.
Both teams were hit hard by freakish injuries. Oak Flats' Nathan Brown suffering a fractured jaw fielding in close on day one. Lakers' Jarryd McMahon suffered a dislocated knee and veteran Tony McCabe had to retire hurt due to severe illness on Saturday. substitute Tode Biracoski made a vital contribution with 28 not out and also took the first six Flats wickets in the second half, after they came together with the Lakers 5-44 in the second innings.
The triumph completed a near perfect season for Lakers.
"To be the first team to win all three trophies is pretty special," Lakers skipper Brendan White said.
"Just the way we had to do it, challenged by a very good Oak Flats team and hanging in there.
"Aaron (Henry) was outstanding and for Tode to come in straight away with no notice and do what he did under pressure says something about our whole squad this season."
For Oak Flats it was a bitter-sweet season in which they had their opportunities but will rue their top order failing in both innings of the final.
Meanwhile, The Rail will return to Premier League replacing Shellharbour next season after thrashing Gerringong in their first grade final.
It completed a brilliant season for the Razorbacks as they swept all first grade competitions and also won the Country Plate.
Gerringong were bowled out for just 85, with the rival skippers calling off the match with The Rail in control at 2-256.
In second grade, Jamberoo were too strong for Albion Park, while in third grade Lake Illawarra Blue had a 10-wicket win over Kookas.
The Rail White won fourth grade, beating clubmates The Rail Red by 65 runs.
SOUTH COAST FINALS
Premier League: Lake Illawarra d Oak Flats
First Grade: The Rail d Gerringong
Second Grade: Jamberoo d Albion Park
Third Grade: Lake Illawarra Blue d Kookas
Fourth Grade: The Rail White d The Rail Red