Mooroopna brushed aside its demons from last year’s Clyde Young Shield decider to triumph in a pulsating final against Northerners on Saturday.
After watching its fellow clubmates celebrate Cricket Shepparton premiership success 12 months ago, it was Mooroopna’s B-grade outfit’s turn to join in on the fun.
The Cats held their nerve on Saturday at Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve to seal a two-wicket thriller over the Jets.
Mooroopna captain Josh Preston was over the moon to be able to lift the shield after missing out last season.
“Super excited after we went so close last year, seeing our A and C-graders lift up the flag (last year) was something that we wanted to be a part of,” Preston said.
“The boys worked super hard all year; we’ve got a great group of blokes, we all get along so well and I wouldn’t want to win a flag with anyone else.”
Northerners’ Matt Hall (44 runs) and Trent Sidebottom (33) were instrumental in lifting the Jets to 9-143 off 45 overs.
Preston said the nerves were high during the run chase.
Youngster Tasman Hall registered a sublime 40 off 98 deliveries at the top of the order, a knock that anchored Mooroopna’s innings.
But once Hall departed with the scoreboard on 6-90, the Cats were still 54 runs behind with 12 overs left in the contest.
Enter Damon Zampaglione.
Two more wickets fell in quick succession to leave the Cats 8-101, however, Zampaglione, who had rarely been called upon with the bat all season, recorded a remarkable knock.
Zampaglione crafted 36 runs from 34 deliveries as he spearheaded Mooroopna to an unlikely victory when facing the jaws of defeat.
The bowler remained unbeaten as he whacked a six to seal the win with 12 balls to spare.
“I was next in with the pads, so I was pretty nervous, but credit to the boys, we’ve won a few close ones throughout the year, and I reckon that put us in pretty good stead today,” Preston said.
“Damo (Zampaglione) missed out last year as well, so he was extra keen. Damo was fantastic at the end, he was clutch, I was yelling out just take the ones, just take the ones, but he just kept going whack, and in the end that’s what got us home.”
Preston revealed it was a memorable moment to celebrate alongside the club’s A and D-grade outfits up in the grandstand at Deakin Reserve.
“It was pretty special, it’s my third year at the club and first year as captain,” he said.
“I’ve loved my time here. To be lifting the flag with such a welcoming club, it’s just awesome.”
THE GAME
Northerners 9-143 (Matt Hall 44, Trent Sidebottom 33, Joel May 2-12, Josh Preston 2-35) lt Mooroopna 8-145 (Tasman Hall 40, Damon Zampaglione 36 not out, Oliver Price 3-21, Trent Sidebottom 3-26)
STAR PLAYER
Damon Zampaglione (Mooroopna): It was a match-winning performance with the bat from Zampaglione. With his side 8-101 and still 43 runs behind, the bowler was able to register his best knock of the season in what was a stirring effort.