Wodonga has regained its status as the association powerhouse after Lavington’s Achilles’ heel – its batting – and an inspired bowling display from paceman Byron Hales piloted the club to its fourth title in the past nine seasons.
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The grand final was a fizzer after the Panthers posted the lowest total since two-day grand finals were introduced in 1988-89.
They collapsed for just 90, with Hales bowling unchanged throughout the innings, taking 5-29 from 28 overs.
“It was just one of those days where I was in the groove and just had tunnel vision,” Hales said.
It was remarkably similar to Belvoir star Matt Jaensch’s match-winning effort in last year’s decider where he took 6-44 from 33 overs to destroy Wodonga.
“We sent them in given the conditions, but the wicket wasn’t as helpful as we thought, but Byron bowled a tremendous spell,” Wodonga captain Jack Craig said.
Wodonga lost two early wickets, but at 2-37 after day one, the premiership was within sight.
However, Ryan Brown ripped out BJ Garvey and Robbie Jackson to give the Panthers an outside chance, but a 34-run stand between Andrew Berg and Jack Gilbee virtually sealed the win.
Even still, Wodonga again lost two quick wickets to leave it at 6-79, before coach Dan Dixon hit the winning runs in somewhat controversial circumstances at 2.30pm.
Dixon had beaten the throw to complete two runs, but as he raced down the wicket to celebrate the win, the Panthers thought they could run him out.
“As soon as the keeper took the ball in his hands, the batsman was safe in his ground and the ball became dead,” umpire Wayne Allan said.
Wodonga bowled for a few more overs before Lavington conceded the match.
Brown had finished with 5-51.
Interestingly, Berg’s 26 was the grand final’s top-score, after Lavington star Matt Shap posted 24.
Wodonga has now contested six of the past nine deciders, for four titles in a golden era.
“It’s not just about the A grade here, it’s about every player at the club, and our supporters,” Dixon said.
“We won the 12s and the 14s premiership this year as well and to see the amount of mums, dads and families there was just great.
“The Bulldogs’ family is one big family.”
It was the first time Tallangatta’s Rowen Park has contested the decider and the ground was immaculate.
It was a combination of the overcast conditions, Hales’ spell and Lavington’s poor batting which resulted in the first innings flop.