By Tara Murray
Glen Orden made three grand finals last season, but wanted to go even better this time round in the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association.
After one senior premiership last season, the Thunder claimed three this season much to the delight of the club.
Thunder secretary Vimal Chatrati said they were still living in a dream after the big weekend a couple of days later.
“Last year we won division 2 and finished runner-up in a couple of others,” he said. “This year we were in division 4, 5, 8. 9. 10 and 14.
“The aim was to get back to at least three grand finals and win them.
“Our division 4, 5 and 9 teams claimed the premiership.”
In division 4, the Thunder beat Vic Bangladeshi in the grand final.
Vic Bangladeshi were bowled out for 124, with the Thunder finishing 2-129 in reply.
Pranay Burri took six wickets for the Thunder, while Dilip Kumar Challagulla finished unbeaten on 86 not out.
Chatrati said half way through the season it didn’t seem like they would have success.
“We started off really badly,” he said. “We were rock bottom of the eight teams.
“There were some changes of players here and there and a change of strategy. We then started winning every match and I think we won 10 matches in a row.”
In division 5, the Thunder beat Truganina United’s second XI.
The Thunder made 8-234 from its overs with Kiran Lakkapragada top scored with 91.
Vice-captain Arun Pandiyan made 76.
Truganina fell well short, bowled out for 174 in the 33rd over. Devang Patel top scored with 54.
Kiran Parepalli took three wickets for the Thunder.
In division 9, the Thunder upset minor premiers Grand United in the semi finals to win through to the grand final.
The Gorillas had won all their games throughout the season and were 36 points clear on top of the ladder, while the Thunder had finished fourth.
Chatrati said it had been a miracle for the side to even win through to the grand final.
In the grand final, the Thunder accounted for Laverton.
The Thunder made 9-191 with Hiral Desai top scoring with 57 at the top of the order.
Laverton was restricted to 145. Sravan Peyyeti took three wickets.
“It’s the first time we’ve won three championships,” Chatrati said. “We couldn’t have done it without the support we got from the families and sponsors.”
The club has also seen massive growth in its juniors, which Chatrati has played a massive role in.
He was named the Cricket Victoria volunteer of the month in October.
