Jack Batchelor stars to help Broomehill to first premiership in 55 years downing Tambellup in GSCA grand final

Broomehill ended a 55-year premiership drought after defeating Tambellup in the Great Southern Cricket Association grand final on Saturday afternoon. Tambellup were chasing a three-peat of GSCA titles but Broomehill denied their rivals more flag success with a four wicket win to end a lengthy grand final drought. Broomehill lost the 2016-17 grand final but their side were determined to win their first premiership since 1967 after going through this season with just the one loss. After winning the toss, Broomehill sent Tambellup in at the Broomehill Recreation Complex which proved decisive as their attack held the visitors to just 104. Despite a middle order collapse in the run chase, Broomehill powered their way to a comfortable win in 32.5 overs. Talented all-rounder Jack Batchelor was superb and deservingly named man of the match for his efforts with bat and ball. The left-armer ripped through Tambellup’s middle order to have them reeling at 7-73 and he finished with figures of 4-28 after snaring the final wicket of Lewis Miller. Batchelor was then part of a 77-run opening stand that effectively ended any Tambellup hope. He was eventually dismissed for 46. Chasing 105 for victory, the home side lost their first wicket when James Barritt was removed by Jedd Herbert for 27. Herbert then snared the crucial scalp of Batchelor after he made 46 from 76 balls, which included eight boundaries. His dismissal sparked a collapse as Broomehill lost 5-13 as Shane Willmott claimed the wickets of Lewis Barritt (9), Brant Dennis (0) and Steve Irvine (5). Ethan Caldwell was Herbert’s third scalp and Broomehill slumped to 6-95 in the chase. However, Sam Richardson ensured his side lifted the premiership shield aloft as he belted a six to win the game and finished unbeaten on 10. Herbert (3-21 off nine overs) and Shane Willmott (3-9 off 2.5) did their best to get Tambellup back into the game along with opening bowler Nathan Willmott (0-13 off nine) but they were let down with the bat. Tailender Lachlan Bradshaw top scored for Tambellup with 22 from 39 deliveries but his side struggled to conjure partnerships. Openers Herbert and Flynn Cristinelli shared an 18-run stand before Caldwell had the latter out for five. Herbert (14) and Shane Willmott (1) both fell to Richardson soon after and then Batchelor got the prized scalp of Nathan Willmott, bowling him for 17. Connor Hawkins (15) provided some middle order resistance but the Broomehill attack had all the answers as they dismissed the visitors for 104. Batchelor was the star in his 7.5 over spell while Richardson (2-20 off nine) and Caldwell (2-16 off nine) were also vital contributors.