Former Karramomus and Old Students cricketer James Billington climbed the top of the Victorian Premier Cricket mountain when Prahran defeated Dandenong in the premier firsts grand final.
The True Blues, spearheaded by century-maker Damon Egan, etched their name in the history books as they claimed a 25-run victory at CitiPower Centre.
Speaking after the match to the televised broadcast, Prahran coach Julien Wiener touched on how much the historic triumph would mean to the True Blues’ faithful.
“We all know community cricket clubs are made up of all those people that invest their time and effort and they're probably going to get as much pleasure out of it than the players,” Wiener said.
After electing to bat first, Prahran defended its mammoth 5-261 total with relative ease.
Billington was front and centre when Prahran began its innings.
The talented opening bat managed 19 runs from 35 deliveries before he was sent on his way by Goulburn Valley Bush Bash marquee Peter Cassidy.
Billington's dismissal left Prahran 2-58 and brought skipper Jack Hancock to the middle, where he combined with man-of-the-match Egan in a sublime 164-run partnership.
In its run chase, Dandenong struggled to find any momentum and finished its innings 8-237.
“It was (a team effort), I think since Christmas, the players have proven to be the most consistent team in the competition,” Wiener said.
“And as a club we couldn't be prouder of them.”
Being involved in Prahran's significant premiership win caps a stellar season for Billington.
From nine matches in premier firsts action, the gun talent scored 200 runs at an average of 25.
His highest knock for the season at the top level came in round one, against eventual preliminary final opponent Fitzroy-Doncaster, where he tallied 68 runs.
Billington also raised the bat for the True Blues’ seconds, after he returned from a brief stint in the South Australian Cricket Association.
Billington has spent time rubbing shoulders with the state's finest cricketers, when he was selected in Victoria's emerging performance squad last year.
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