ORC Presidents Cup Grand Final team: Neil Webb (c), David Glasson, Nick Gorrell, Scott Hines, Mick Dale, Alex Davey, Braydon Breen, Brad Glasson, Eliza Bunner, Mark Day, Ricky Webb, Grant Hines (12th man)

After comprehensively beating their Grand Final opponents City Colts two weeks earlier, the question was whether or not a young ORC side could follow up with an equally impressive performance. Unfortunately for ORC, the defending premiers, lead by man-of-the-match Matt Pender, had just too much experience when it came to big games and eventually ran out comfortable winners by 60 runs.

ORC skipper Neil Webb must feel cursed, losing yet another coin toss and ORC found themselves bowling first on a very flat and hard deck. Wickets proved just as hard to come by for ORC early on as runs runs did for City Colts.

Opening bowlers Nick Gorrell and Mick Dale bowled accurately and without luck, with Gorrell particularly miserly. Eventually, with the last ball of his spell, Dale sent the bails flying.

From there, it was methodical batting from Colts, with only Matt Pender able to find the boundary as Scott Hines, Dave Glasson, Neil Webb and a very unlucky Braydon Breen all bowled well. Pender rode his luck, being dropped twice in the space of two Braydon Breen deliveries before he reached his half century.

Pender chanced his arm once too often though and was dismissed shortly after passing 50. From there, it all went south for Colts. The reintroduction of Gorrell saw wickets falling regularly, as he claimed three wickets in a 6 over spell. Young leg spinner Mark Day tore through the Colts tail to claim 3 wickets late in the day.

With half an hour left in the day, ORC knew they had to get through a tricky period without losing any wickets. Unfortunately, a combination of good bowling and poor batting saw ORC stumble to be 2-10 at the end of day 1.

Day 2 was no easier, as wickets continued to fall. Dave Glasson played a lone hand and found support hard to come by, eventually falling for a patient and well earned 43. ORC’s more experienced batsmen weren’t able to hit out and by the time Nick Gorrell was last man out, it was all over – ORC all out for 90.

With only the slightest chance of winning outright, ORC sent Colts back in, only for rain to arrive and end the days, and ultimately the seasons, play.

Colts were worthy champions, having lead the season from day 1, however the young ORC side can hold their heads up as they made Colts earn every run and every wicket. Next season will hopefully see several of ORC’s youngsters continue to build on what was a very good season.