Point Cook Warriors celebrated a historic victory on March 15, 2024, after winning the Victorian Turf Cricket Association (VTCA) Group B T20 title. The Warriors triumphed over Glenroy in a tense match, solidifying their confidence as they prepare for the upcoming Roy Picone Shield finals.
For the Warriors, this win marks a significant achievement, as it is the club’s first first XI premiership since its establishment in 2006. Captain-coach Shafraz Mohamed, who has participated in seven VTCA T20 grand finals, expressed his pride in the team’s performance. “This one means a lot and more than the others,” he stated, highlighting the youthful spirit of his squad.
The Warriors entered the match with five players under the age of 20, a factor that initially raised concerns for Mohamed. “At the start of my head I was scratching my head on how to win something, but the boys have been really good, and everything has fallen into place,” he added.
During the match, Point Cook batted first and faced early challenges, losing three wickets in quick succession. Nevertheless, the middle order stabilized the innings, leading the team to a total of 7-144. Chathura Demuni was the standout performer, scoring 36 runs, while youngsters Nivain Gamanayake and Kavin Kumar played crucial roles towards the end, contributing to a defendable total.
As the chase began, Glenroy started strongly but soon faced difficulties as the Warriors’ bowlers gained control. Mohamed noted the turning point in the match: “Once the spinners came on, it changed. We knew we had enough spinners to make it hard to get away.” The team maintained composure, sticking to their game plan. The Lions ultimately finished their innings with a score of 6-109, with the Warriors conceding just one boundary after the fifth over.
Vishay Ramchander was instrumental in the bowling department, finishing with two wickets. Reflecting on the significance of this championship, Mohamed emphasized the potential within the club: “There’s massive potential with the kids, and regardless of what division you play in, they are hard to win. The club has a bright future with the youngsters coming in, and the only way you’re going to keep them is if the first XI is successful.”
With the T20 title secured, the Warriors are now turning their attention to the Roy Picone Shield season. They currently sit in second place as they approach the final round against the Greenvale Kangaroos. Mohamed remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. “We have the right mix,” he said. “The youngsters are still learning and learning quickly. It’s a two-year process, and this is year one. To get a home final is key. We have to win this game to cement second spot.”
As the Warriors celebrate this momentous victory, they look forward to building on their success in the upcoming challenges.
