Tracy Village are the new Casuarina All Sports Club Premier Grade One-Day champions, breaking a ten-year title drought with a thrilling victory over reigning premiers Nightcliff at DXC Arena on Sunday.
In a fitting finale to the season, the Villagers overcame early setbacks and held their nerve in a tense finish to record a hard-fought eight-run win, ending Nightcliff’s bid for a third straight title and capping off an unbeaten season.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Tracy Village stumbled to 4-59 before Jake Gerrans stepped up with a performance that defined the match. The composed opener batted through the innings for a remarkable 113 off 154 deliveries, holding the line while wickets fell around him and guiding his side to 211 all out in 49.3 overs.
Nightcliff’s run chase got off to a shaky start, with both openers dismissed for just four runs inside the first three overs — Connor Carroll doing the early damage with the new ball. A strong partnership between Niven Dovey (73 off 62) and Nick Fleming (48) revived Nightcliff’s innings, but Jake Smith turned the momentum back Tracy’s way with a destructive spell of 4/38, removing the middle order in quick succession.
The Tigers lost their final four wickets for just 21 runs, with Carroll closing the contest by running out Nightcliff’s number 11 in the 43rd over, sparking wild celebrations from the Tracy camp.
Speaking post-match, Tracy Village captain Janu Varatharajan praised his side’s resilience and highlighted Gerrans’ standout knock.
“Game-winning performance, no doubt. The way Jake stood up and batted through almost the entire innings was incredible. He’s been in form all season, and to convert in the grand final speaks volumes about his character.”
Varatharajan also credited his bowling unit for delivering under pressure.
“Connor’s early wickets set the tone. Sam Bammant chipped in with crucial breakthroughs and Jake Smith showed once again how dangerous he can be with the ball. Our bowlers have stood up all season in big moments, and today was no different.”
The victory marks Tracy Village’s first A-grade silverware in ten years and a proud moment for the club.
“This means everything to us. It’s been a long time coming and every player knew how much it meant,” Varatharajan said.
“Full credit to Nightcliff. They’ve been the benchmark for years, and Richo was incredibly gracious after the match. But this was our day and we made sure to enjoy every bit of it.”
Grand Final Top Performers
Jake Gerrans (Tracy Village)
Anchored the innings with a match-winning 113 off 154 balls and contributed with the gloves, taking three catches. Named Player of the Match.
Connor Carroll (Tracy Village)
Delivered with the ball and in the field. Claimed both openers early and finished with 3/36. Also executed the run-out to win the match.
Jake Smith (Tracy Village)
Tore through the Tigers’ middle order with a lethal spell, taking 4/38 from 10 overs to swing momentum back Tracy’s way.
Niven Dovey (Nightcliff)
Fought bravely for the Tigers with a composed 73 off 62, holding the innings together after a shaky start.
Charlie Smith (Nightcliff)
Provided the standout bowling performance for Nightcliff with 4/43, keeping his side in the contest during a tense first innings.