The Western Youth Centre had a magnificant weekend with the Under 15’s going back to back at Cowandilla Primary versus Brighton and the A grade knocking off arch rivals in ICC Sharks at Hackham Community Oval in their respective Grand Finals.

The Under 15’s were 1/16 chasing 195 at stumps, and thanks to a 100 run stand between Naz and Ethan for the 3rd wicket we were able to get up by 7 wickets. Naz ended up with his highest score of 51 while Ethan Brown made 100 not out, which inlcuded a six to bring up his hundred. It followed up the efforts of Kyle Whenan (3/18 off 12 overs) and Phillip Rosshirt (3/31 off 7.3 overs) the week before in the field. It was a great way to finish the year and take away the shield for the second year in a row. Congratulations to the back-to-back captain in Kyle Whena, the coach Callum Wright and team manage Neville Linke.

The A grade, after finishing third and easily beating Coromandel Ramblers in the semi, came up against the heavily favoured ICC Sharks at their home ground. WYC won the toss and elected to bat. After being 0/57, we were bundled out for 123, with Jake Whenan 34, Russ King 26, RIchard Press 22 and Rob Hopkins the only one’s scoring over 10.  They had put in a below par performance with the bat and were up against the best batting side in the comp. However at stumps on day 1 and 28 overs at the sharks, wyc had bowled extremley well and had them 6/71. We came back the next day to roll ICC for 98 (including a 20 run last wicket stand) thanks to Robert Hopkins, captains performance of 5/41 off 21 overs. It was a magnificant team performance with some great fielding and catchin, and some real tight bowling from Matt King, Chris Allen, Karl Wild, Mick McKay and the final wicket taker Mark Whenan. ICC were arrogant as always and sent us back into bat and after 15 overs and no chance for an outright WYC were 1/26 and awarded the Premiership cup, the first in 4 years.

A special mention to Robert Hopkins, the premiership captain, for not only his bowling performance in the Grand Final but also his captaincy throughout the year, ending in the flag in his first year as club skipper.

Congratulations to the club, the two team’s, the supporters, the coaches, the managers and everyone else who was involved throughout the year.

GO YOU RANGERS!!!