by Samuel Laffy

Western Park (116) def. Garfield-Tynong (77)
In round 10 – the first game back from the Christmas and New Year's break – Western Park were humbled by Garfield-Tynong, bundled out for just 50 in one of the more one-sided contests you're ever likely to see.

The gulf in class on display on that day had many declaring that the victors were almost unbackable favourites for the flag.
However, on Saturday the Warriors returned the favour – with interest – to claim premiership glory over the previously undefeated Titans.
The two late scalps they claimed on day one of proceedings no doubt weighed heavy on the Garfield-Tynong batters yet to stride to the crease – despite needing just 107 more runs – and this was reflected in the defensive approach adopted by Matt Dodman (12 from 80 balls) and Grant Pearson (6 off 28) upon the resumption of play.
They valiantly absorbed the early pressure applied by Matt Garner (0/10 from 9) and James Allen, and seemingly had their eyes set on testing the patience of the Western Park attack.
However, their lack of intent allowed James Allen to settle into a rhythm and against a bowler with the ability to extract significant turn and beat the batter through the air, this proved to be a fatal mistake.
Recognising that just a few overs of boundary hitting could turn the contest in Garfield-Tynong's favour, Kasun Ranasinghe chanced his arm, dancing down the wicket to loft Tyler McMillan (2/20) over the fence and then dispatching a rare loose delivery from Allen over mid-wicket.
His 31-ball 34 threatened to seize the momentum, but just as he seemed set for a match-winning knock McMillan invited Ranasinghe to advance again, only for the talented all-rounder to pick out Jack Barnes at mid-on.
From there, Allen (who snared an astonishing 7/29 in a man-of-the-match performance) was unstoppable, with the Garfield-Tynong lower order unable to survive, let alone score against the Englishman.
Only Brayden Ridler – who struck 10 – was able to somewhat counterattack, but with little support he had scant opportunity to influence the contest and after 39.1 overs the Titans were dismissed for just 77, handing Western Park the division two premiership.
Much credit must go to Garfield-Tynong for their endeavours over the summer, with the club clearly committed in their quest to once again reach the highest tier of the WDCA.
They will no doubt reflect, reset, and recover and once again be one of the teams to beat in division two next summer.
For Western Park, their ability to punch above their weight and compete with – and beat – many clubs' First XIs is worthy of endless praise.