The decision by former long-standing cricket clubs, Donald and Jeffcott, to amalgamate at the start of the 2023-24 season reaped the ultimate reward when Donald-Jeffcott won both “A” and “B” grade Wimmera Mallee Association premierships on Saturday.

In sweltering heat at Birchip’s immaculately-presented George Cartwright Oval, Donald-Jeffcott elected to bat in the season’s “A” grade decider.

It was the right decision, with opener Trent Grant making a quick but valuable 18, while co-opener Cooper Anderson settled in for an all-round performance that was to have a profound effect on the overall result.

First, he was joined by the Association’s newly-crowned “A” grade champion player, Noah Berry, in a century partnership, on which was built a 40-overs team total of 8/179.

Cooper Anderson was to score 55, and Noah Berry 52, while both were then to have a major influence on the game when Brim KSH’s turn came to bat.

In a race for runs, two Donald-Jeffcott players were run out, while four others lost their wickets to an inspired spell of bowling, in which Charlie Dean took 4/26 (6) for Brim KSH.

Daniel Atkins added 13 to the Donald-Jeffcott score, while Ryan Bath remained 8 not out. Other wicket-takers for Brim KSH were Lachlan McGinniss 1/24 (8), and captain Isaac McPherson, 1/15 (4).

After the break, Brim KSH was dismissed for 138 in 38.4 overs, players to reach double figures being Sandon Schultz 29, Matthew Crisp 20, Mark McPherson 19, Jeremy Pres-ton and Lachie McGinniss 13 each, Tim Bell 12, and Chris McPherson 10.

At the same time, Donald-Jeffcott’s depth of bowling was on show, with Cooper Anderson adding 4/26 (8) to his top score, and Daniel Atkins 2/27 (7), while Nick Atkins, Lachie Jones and Dion Hawkes also claimed a wicket each. Rounding off a big day at the wicket, Noah Berry took two catches behind the stumps.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 13 March 2024.