After winning just a single game last season, the young Hawks turned their fortunes around with an unbeaten winning streak this season, which culminated in a home-ground showdown with Katunga on Sunday, February 23.
Barooga opened with the batting after the visitors won the toss and elected to bowl.
Ethan Bovalina kicked things off for the hosts, posting 44 from 95, joined by captain Murphy Stephens (51 from 78) whose wicket was the first to fall for Barooga at 1-86.
Their efforts were later joined by those of Crue Lucas, who went on to post 49 from 54, not-out.
Just five of Barooga’s batters would see action with the willow.
By the 40th over, Barooga found itself at 3-175.
Such was the task ahead for Katunga, and surmounting it got off to a rocky start after Jarred Bethell was bowled for a duck by vice-captain Codi Bowden (5-9 from 5.2) at the top of the order.
More smart bowling by Bowden saw Katunga’s top-order batters fall like dominoes until Oliver Ruscoe stepped to the crease for the visitors.
With 74 not-out, Rusco top-scored on the day. But his posting was the highlight for Katunga, which found itself all-out for 113 in the 29th over after further efforts by Barooga’s Hamish Baker (2-21 from four), Isaiah Benson (1-8 from three) and skipper Murphy Stephens (2-35 from six).
Codi Bowden was named man of the match.
Co-coach Brendan Lewis couldn’t contain his pride for the side.
“It’s not very often you get a bunch of kids with so many personalities as part of one group that has so much ability,” he said.
“A huge congratulations to Barooga Cricket Club in itself for preparing the grounds for the grand final, and the Murray Valley Cricket Association for doing so much in cricket to keep these kids involved. And a huge congratulations to Katunga for being there.
“It was really good to have a good fair game of cricket... and we wish Katunga all the best.”
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