Werribee Centrals enter the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Clark Shield finals with nothing to lose.
Just weeks ago, the Centurions were looking at relegation and doing everything they needed to not to finish in the bottom two.
But an outright win and inflicting Laverton’s first loss of the season, the Centurions had a sniff of finals heading into the final round.
With a win against Sunshine Heights, the Centurions fate came down to other results which went their way
“It’s unbelievable,” captain-coach Tarique Jeffrey said of making finals.
“Three weeks ago we were kind of in the relegation zone. To win outright and win last week to put us in a position to play finals now is really special.
“It’s been a great comeback for us. As a club we’re pretty ecstatic about it.”
The Centurions last played finals in the 2018-19 season.
He said the final round match against Sunshine Heights was a mini final for them.
Heights, who were looking to avoid relegation, made 9-147 from their overs.
Usman Ashraf took 3-14 off eight overs for the Centurions.
The Centurions then made 5-148 in reply, hitting the winning runs with two and a bit overs remaining
Ashraf was the star with the bat too, finishing 76 not out off 88 balls.
Jeffrey said they enter the finals full of confidence on the back of what they’ve done the last few weeks.
“When you play finals, anything can happen,” he said. “The top three are there for a reason and we just snuck in.
“We have good enough plans and we have to stick to them. We’ll prepare ourselves for everything and hopefully we can deliver when it really matters.”
The Centurions will face Laverton in the semi finals this weekend with a spot in the grand final on the line.
The Centurions are the only team to beat Laverton this season.
Jeffrey said they were a good side and they can’t underestimate Laverton even though they have beaten them.
“Hopefully we can stand up and perform,” he said. “Hopefully everyone chips in and we get the result we want at the end.”
While the Centurions will play finals, Bellbridge just missed out.
Bellbridge needed a win in the final round to seal a top four spot.
It instead lost to Footscray Angliss.
Angliss made 8-230 before bowling the Bears out for 177 in the 37th over.
The Bears finish a point behind the Centurions.
In the Russell Pollock Shield, Wyndham Vale lost to Williamstown Congs in the final round.
