GOL GOL’S Zac Nelson says hitting his first century in senior cricket to help Gol Gol claim the SCA 2nd Division title capped off a “rejuvenating” year of cricket.
Nelson hit 106 runs off 97 deliveries and to push Gol Gol to an imposing 3/288 before taking two catches as Gol Gol bowled Settlers out for 164.
Gol Gol has now won its third 2nd Division title in a decade and the win capped off a strong end to the season for the side, after they entered the finals after winning four straight matches.
Nelson, who smashed 13 fours during his 152-run partnership with Vaughan McClure (62 not out), said he was surprised by the tenor of his knock, but said he had been motivated to deliver a strong performance for his captain, Ben McPhee.
“I’m normally pretty slow and I said to Tony (Hickey) as I went out to let me know if I’m going too slow,” Nelson said.
“Some of those runs came off pretty well and I got pretty lucky.
“I was pretty determined to win for Ben McPhee, who put a lot of time and effort into the team for the whole year.
“I know it meant a hell of a lot to him and others – Tony Hickey and Kane Dawson.”
Nelson said hitting his first century in the grand final had affirmed how positive the year had been for him as he reconnected to the sport.
“I took the last couple of years off cricket and then this year I thought I’d have a hit with some of my mates and I love cricket again, which is good.
“It’s probably the best thing I’ve done in cricket.”
Merbein South secured its second 3rd Division title since 2000 with a 110-run victory over minor premiers Irymple.
Shane Trinick proved he was a big-game performer as he led Merbein South’s scorers with 52, following up on his 74-run knock in the semi-final, as Merbein South scored 7/198.
In response, Irymple were bowled out for 88 as Josh Brice took 4/29, while Shane Trinick and Laine Banasiak both took 2/11.
It was a double for Merbein South when the club claimed the 4th Division premiership after a dominant display with the bat.
Jamie Keenan led Merbein South’s scorers with 42 not out, but he had help from Damon Fraser and Ben Perkins, who both hit 36.
While Mildura East Blue’s Jagandeep Singh (33 no) and Ranjeet Ray Singh (32) put up a fight in the middle order, Blue were bowled out for 148.
Courtney Moore starred with the ball for Merbein South, taking 5/29.
