Beechworth skipper Brenton Surrey, middle, celebrates a catch with his teammates ... they went on to defeat Bruck in the grand final. Pictures: KYLIE ESLER
SKIPPER Brenton Surrey turned in a brilliant performance to lead Beechworth to its first Wangaratta and District Cricket Association A grade premiership at Norm Minns Oval yesterday.
Surrey set up the 17-run win over Bruck with a superb knock of 108 in a total of 8-298 and kept his cool under intense pressure as the Wanderers overcame a counter attack from Darren Petersen.
Peterson was dropped on 59, helping Bruck throw everything they had at the Wanderers, but in the end it wasn’t quite enough, with Beechworth able to hang on for a maiden WDCA premiership.
Their flag tilt got off to a shaky start after winning the toss and choosing to bat, with Bruck quick Alex Marklew striking early, removing openers Jack Ryan (2) and Kayde Surrey (6) cheaply.
Captain Jordan Blades removed Matt Hunt for 20, which brought Matt Ryan to the crease.
He and Beechworth captain Brenton Surrey shared a 155-run stand before Surrey was run-out by Marklew.
Running between wickets was the key to the Wanderers’ innings, Surrey said.
Beechworth’s Jake Biddulph prepares to fire in a return to the keeper.
“Matt and I had to slow the game down a little bit, but we were still looking to score,” he said.
“Turning ones into twos and twos to threes was something I think really swung the game in our favour on the first day.”
Bruck didn’t give up without a fight though, tearing into Beechworth’s massive total of 298, putting plenty of pressure on the young Wanderers’ attack.
Jordan Hanstead scored 65 and Jeremy Wilson 53, as Bruck looked to make amends for their grand final loss last season.
Peterson scored 85 to give his club plenty of hope, but fell late in the piece to hand Beechworth a historic victory.
Bruck captain Jordan Blades was shattered after the loss, but said his team couldn’t have played any better.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this team,” Blades said.
“Not many people thought we could chase 298, but for the 11 people that played today.
“Beechworth were sensational, full credit to them.”