2004/05 Grand Final

Lorne v Deans Marsh @ The Lake Oval, Colac.

19^th & 20^th March 2005

It was only back in December that the ’Marsh’ were placed last on the ladder after another disappointing loss to Otway at the ‘Ditch’. Questions were asked of the teams commitment and function. What turned the fortunes of the club no one is sure, maybe the success of the clubs recently released cookbook ‘Afternoon Delights’, the next edition I have been told will include the infamous ‘Inverloch Cup Cake’. The club now found itself in its third consecutive grand final against long time rival Lorne for not only a premiership but the honour of holding the ‘Benwerrin Shield’.

The sad passing of Colin Humpfries during the week, a player and personality for both Deans Marsh and Lorne over fourteen years gave the game even greater significance. Lorne’s Luke Hodge was still unsure of whether a clearance would be granted by the Hawthorn Football Club after supporters (with of course no allegiance to Deans Marsh) had expressed there concern that exposure to the express pace of the ‘Marsh’ opening bowlers was too precarious.

The ‘Marsh’ had followed convention and trained on two occasions through the week and the team was unchanged. The skipper won the toss and elected to bowl.

A early wicket to ‘Glin’ Dempsey in the fourth over was the only joy for the ’Marsh’ bowlers until a run out just before tea. ‘Rip’ Bracken and Leighton Hart had bowled well and without luck. After the adjournment, Adam Smith claimed the valuable wicket of McViegh and wickets began to fall at more acceptable intervals. Bracken’s caught and bowled to dismiss Hodge on 224 exposed the tail which was soon expatriated. Hodge’s epic innings had helped to set up a daunting total of 364. At stumps the ‘Marsh’ were 0/2.

Hodge had thrown the challenge out to the ‘Marsh’ batsmen and the game was ideally setup for folklore to be written.

Deans Marsh unfortunately lost early wickets. Marshall Goddard’s patient innings of 60 and a entertaining 29 from ‘Glin’ Dempsey insured a respectable score. The ‘Marsh’ were naturally disappointed but happy to have completed the season strongly. Our thanks to sponsors and the community for supporting the club throughout the season and look forward to a even more successful season next year .

Community Cricket Day - 2nd April at the Deans Marsh Memorial Reserve

Presentation Night - 16th April at the Deans Marsh Hall

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