FROM facing potential relegation to having a premiership medallion draped around him, Mildura Settlers export Seamus Keogh experienced all the emotions with Port Adelaide this season.
The Magpies concluded an unlikely fairytale finish at the weekend with a six-wicket victory over Glenelg to win the South Australian Premier Cricket first grade Division 1 title.
Keogh took the wickets of South Australian state players Liam Scott and Harry Conway in the grand final to finish with 2/31, while Nicholas Benton (5/40) and Tom Andrews (102 not out), who was the joint winner of the Bradman Medal as division best and fairest, played starring roles.
“It was awesome to get the win,” the Setts product said.
“It wasn’t looking that way even four or five weeks ago, we were staring down the barrel of not making the top five and potentially in danger of relegation.
“It wasn’t really the goal to get to the flag, it was just to improve and ensure we were still able to stay up.
“We managed to put some form together and had to win the last game to make into the finals … and now here we are.”
This season marked the first in SACA first grade of a division split, with two teams relegated from first division and two promoted from second division at the end of the season.
A run of three consecutive victories to end the home and away season got the Magpies through to finals in third place, before a four-wicket win the semi-final against West Torrens sent them through to the grand final.
“I can’t really tell you what changed, we knew we had a good side but we just weren’t performing well,” Keogh said.
“That all just managed to turn around and we worked hard to make sure it did.”
Keogh took 33 wickets in all competitions this season, including 16 wickets for the first grade side.
“It’s always nice to get a couple in the grand final, better than not getting any,” he laughed.
“Not too bad of a season, a few good games and a few not so great but I can’t complain too much.
“I’ve got some time to put my feet up now and rest. Hopefully I’ll get up to Darwin again during the year.”
