Clinical Tigers coast to premiership four-peat

Railways became only the second team in Albany Cricket Association history to win four straight A-grade premierships after producing one of the most clinical grand final performances on record at Hard North on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers went through the regular season suffering only two losses, as they sharpened their grip on a fourth successive flag by qualifying directly into this year’s decider.

Not even losing the toss and being sent into the field could deter the Tigers on their way to a rampant four-peat of premiership success.

Led by fast bowler Nathan Crudeli and hard-to-handle seamer Jeremy Wood, the Tigers rolled the Bulldogs for a miserable 79 which was the first step towards further grand final glory.

Tigers openers Wood and Brendan Crudeli were attacking from the outset as they quickly eroded half the chase and then the latter along with big hitter Matt Walters made light work of the remaining runs.

It was another ruthless performance that we have come to expect from the well-drilled and skilful outfit and such was the sheer dominance on display, the grand final finished inside three hours.

Captain Zane Marwick said it was a very special moment for his side as they delivered the club a fourth straight title.

“If you are ever going to play that sort of game, the grand final is the best time to do it,” Marwick said.

“From the position we were 10 years ago to now, it’s completely polar opposites.

“The people that put in the hard work, this is definitely for them.

“To win four straight is very special and everyone in the team should be very proud of themselves and enjoy it.”

Nathan Crudeli was named man of the match for his fierce eight overs that returned 4-17 including the prize wicket of his arch nemesis Craig Tonkin for a second-ball duck.

The right-arm quick bowled with terrific pace adding the scalps of Neil Ferreira, Graeme Weinert and Nathan Benson to his opening strike.

Wood’s effort was not to be downplayed, snaring 4-20 off eight overs including both Ferreira brothers and Harry Broomhall, while Brendan Crudeli smacked a rapid 46 with the bat in the successful chase.

Not since Collingwood Park’s irresistible run from 2005-09 has a team been able to win four grand finals in a row and Marwick praised his entire team in the eight-wicket win.

“The boys fielded extremely well, took most of our chances and that what you need to do in big games,” Marwick said.

“Jezza’s spell was the best spell he’s bowled all season, they were starting to put a little partnership together and it probably turned the game just a touch.

“Jez and BC (Brendan Crudeli) looked comfortable from the word go and it was pleasing to get the 80 pretty quickly.”

Zane Marwick was joined by Nathan and Brendan Crudeli, veterans Ryan Tindale and Tim Edmunds and Matt Wolfe as members in all four premiership teams.

It was the Tigers’ fifth premiership in six seasons and they have beaten the Bulldogs in four of those deciders.