A MAN-of-the-match performance from Dean Harrop lifted Nyah District to the B grade premiership over Swan Hill.
Nyah was facing a collapse before Harrop’s 63 not out saved the day for Matt Lenton’s team, with the Demons recovering to post 132.
While the final target remained small, Lenton said he was confident in the Dees’ ability to defend it.
“We were in a bit of trouble at about 6-70 and didn’t have many overs left to play, but then Dean Harrop got us to 132 and all year we’ve been able to defend small totals,” Lenton said.
“[Harrop] was terrific.
“He played a very mature innings through the middle of the order when we were in strife and he got us out of trouble in the end.”
Lenton said, in the finish, Nyah executed its gameplan better than Swan Hill.
“We knew that 132 wasn’t a big total but in a final it’s hard to chase runs,” he said.
“Our bowlers bowled to plan perfectly.”
Lenton said, beyond Harrop’s innings, the Demons were best served by an overall team performance, particularly with the ball.
“It’s testament to the fact we’ve kept the same team together through the summer,” he said.
It’s testament to the fact we’ve kept the same team together through the summer
The 24-year-old is captain of a side that is made up of largely players in their 20s, with two under 17s and one under 14 also regular contributors.
“We’ve got just as much out of [the three juniors] all season as the more experienced players which was fantastic,” he said.
Lenton thanked the association, the day’s umpires and RSL for hosting the match.
