Going into the second weekend of the B Grade CFN Grand Final at 3 - 163, the Muddies looked in control to take out the game. 

After winning the first innings, a dismal second innings collapse saw the premiership slip from their grasp and hand it to Tully.

Having 163 runs under the belt with seven wickets in hand, the Muddies were looking to bat Tully out of the game, spending as much time as possible in the middle. 

This plan took an early blow, with Taigy being caught out in the 3rd over of the day. 

The ship was steadied a little, until the Muddies lost wickets in a bundle with Gaske, Harris and D’Addona all being dismissed with the score on 180. 

The substitute players were now joining the regulars at the crease replacing Vikionkorpi, Sorensen and McCullough due to representative duties and Lucas away at his sisters’ wedding.

Postons was removed on 199, Darlington on 210, and Troy Shepard scoring 35, was the last wicket to fall at 219.

Tully went into their innings with the intention of blasting the Muddies out of the game. The first 12 overs saw Tully 0 / 74, scoring over 6 per over in a two day game. 

Being to the fore young D’Addona, who bowled an impeccable spell, picking up 3 wickets in his first three overs. 

The momentum kept swinging the Muddies way, with Darwin (Nathan Taig) picking up three quick wickets of his own. Tully were now looking down the barrel at 6 / 101. 

Still needing 120 runs to get in front, Tully started to show more composure and determination. 

After losing the one day final earlier this season, this only furthered the Muddies resolve to dig in deep and get a first innings lead. 

A smart bowling change brought about the seventh wicket from Barnesy, with the score 123. 

This partnership lasted another 20 overs, before the return of Dave Johnson claimed the eight wicket. 

Buckets and Barnesy then worked together to close out Tully’s innings on 177, taking a wicket apiece, leaving the Muddies with a 42 run lead at the end of the day.

Starting the last day of the final with the first innings under the belt, the Muddies simply needed to bat out the day to claim their second B Grade Premiership. 

However, cricket does not always go to plan. 

Only having nine batsmen due to the substitution rules for finals must have had some effect on the Muddies. 

Gaske and Migliorenza set about seeing the day out, batting steadily for the first 5 overs. 

Simeon was then bowled in the sixth over, which seemed to set off a cataclysmic batting collapse. 

The Muddies were 1 / 4 from six overs, and somehow ended up being all out (8 / 30) from 22 overs, losing eight wickets in 16 overs. 

After a great first innings effort, to be all out for 30 dismal runs, it was just not the Muddies day.

Fighting gallantly, Dave and Hayden worked in tandem, this time with Dave picking up three wickets. With Tully 3/34, the game was in the balance. 

Needing only 73 runs for victory though, Tully new that some smart batting would get them home. 

Despite numerous bowling and fielding changes, the Tully no. 4 and 5 closed out the innings without further loss, chasing down the Muddies lead after just 30 overs. 

Losing any Grand Final is hard, but after the 2nd innings capitulation, it was made even harder. 

The positive for the club out of this season though is that after stepping back into the B grade ranks from two C grade teams last year, the B and C teams have played in all three possible Grand Finals this season. 

With a strong group of young cricketers coming through the system, the future looks bright for the Muddies. 

Let’s hope next season we can bring home the silverware!