Premiership 1983/84

Ian Potter domination secures Moonee Valley Flag

The plan was a simple one. The old faithful ABC of suburban cricket: -
A: Win the toss
B: Send them in
C: Make more runs than them!!

A match-winning partnership between Ian and skipper Peter Gardiner took the Valleys past the target, after a superb bowling and fielding exhibition had restricted Keilor Park to a moderate 195.

March 1984 was the first time that the Moonee Valley Cricket Club had two teams in a Grand Final on the same day. Whilst this match involving the Second XI was being played at Tullamarine against Keilor Park, the First XI was involved against Brunswick City at Pascoe Vale. Both sides were particularly strong that year and were selected accordingly. The First XI was weakened by the absence of Warwick Nolan due to work commitments.

Into the Semi Final winning team which thrashed Doutta Stars came Michael Intagliata and Laurie Mayne, replacing Nick McIntyre, dropped to 12th man and Bob Tarrant, dropped to the First XI.

The team was captained by Peter Gardiner and very ably vice-captained by Ray Storey. Ray was acting captain for almost all of the first session due to PG's commitment to attend his brother David's wedding.

The plan was a simple one. The old faithful ABC of suburban cricket: -
A: Win the toss
B; Send them in
C; Make more runs than them!!

A and B were duly achieved and the Keilor Park innings commenced. Ian "Ic" Potter opened the bowling, and as the captain could only be present for half an hour he decided to open himself from the other end with the thought of saving one of the other bowlers for a longer stint later in the day. It was another wise choice as Ian "Sudsy" Sutherland snapped up a blinder at point off PG's first over to have them 1 for 0.

"Ic" was bowling fast and steadily and Robert "Jumbo" Corollo came on to replace PG. Things were going slowly as Keilor Park consolidated. Into the attack came Mick "Intags" Intagliata. (right)

He picked up a wicket in his second over and bowled very economically. Geoff "Too big to give a nickname to" Serong had a trundle as all the bowlers were rotated and successfully dismissed Keilor Park for 195 off 91 overs. The fielding was exceptional with no missed chances and featured great keeping by Paul "Woody" Wood.

The catch of the innings was the blinder taken by Craig Ion off Intags to dismiss their dangerous opener, who top scored with 68.

Now it was our turn to see if the C part of the formula could be adhered to. The openers, Sudsy and Woody batted very steadily and put on 54 before Woody was out for 27. Sudsy followed soon after, run out for 24. Geoff Serong contributed 13 and we were in slight trouble at 3 for 80.

Laurie "Fossil" Mayne and Stores consolidated in a 56 run partnership but both were out quickly leaving us 5 for 139. Ray had made a classy 20 and Laurie an entertaining 37. Peter "Uncle" Boulouxis failed to trouble the scorer, and we were under the pump at 6 for 146.

The next partnership between Ic and PG was the highest of the match, putting on 62 to take the Valleys past Keilor Park's 195. PG was out for a steadying 13 and Ic top scored with 64. Craig Ion made 5, Jumbo 2 not out and Intags, only in the side for his bowling, made a duck. We were all out for 236 - a lead of only 41 with nearly two days to play.

Keilor Park knew they had to make a lot of runs quickly and put us back into win the match. Unfortunately for them the Moonee Valley team was up the task. Only three bowlers were used and they were out for 119. The fielding was again of a high standard, and two runouts severely affected their run chase. Ic and Jumbo opened up and after a runout, picked up two quick wickets each to have them 5 for 46. PG came on and got a wicket in his first over and then Ic got a couple more as they folded for 119, a lead of only 78. But still we had to get them or they had to get 10 wickets.

The reliable openers Sudsy and Woody put on 49 before Woody was out. Geoff Serong and Sudsy then comfortably passed their score. Moonee Valley had clearly been the better team in the game and deserved to win the Grand Final.