Dingley, Mont Albert win their respective Division 1 Grand Finals

An epic Melbourne storm played havoc with the Veterans Grand Final day. At Clifton Hill, players had barely made it off the ground 20 minutes into the game when a ear-splitting thunderclap, followed by hail and rain smashed the ground. Over at Chadstone and Mount Waverley, the same storm saw the abandonment of two Grand Finals being played on synthetic decks, while turf games were held up at Noble Park and at Mont Albert. At Dingley Reserve, the Over 40s Grand FInal was unaffected. That's Melbourne as they say.

The formidable Dingley line-up were simply too strong for Hawthorn Boroondara. The team, lead by Damien Jordan, were in control of the match from the beginning. Opener Rahul Kehera hit a run-a-ball 40 (ret) to set up the foundation for the middle order. Leigh Booth (41 ret) and Danny Law (37*) ensured a more than defendable 212. Dingley's fielders threw themselves at everything - backing up their bowlers who all bowled with impeccable discipline. Club legend Rob Tongue (40 ret) played a lone hand (he also bowled 4 economical overs) for the visitors. Dingley opener Chris Periera (3/8) from 4 and Damien Jordan 2/6 from 4 were the pick of the bowlers.

Mont Albert recorded a comfortable victory against Lyndale at home to claim the Over 50s Division 1 flag. Last year's runners-up looked to be on a mission from the get go. Lyndale won the toss and elected to bat - but they struggled to get any traction thanks to the excellent bowling of the hosts. They attacked the stumps with the top 5 being dismissed bowled and LBW.  Russell Anderson (34 from 74) played a lone hand at the top of the order. Adam Richmond (31 from 32) lead a mini revival of sorts on the middle but 117 was probably not going to be enough. The afternoon fined up to be perfect batting conditions and Allen Burton (40ret) and player of the match Pat Hawkins (40ret and 2/18) knocked off most of the runs. Lyndale Cricket Club had an outstanding Veterans season, with three sides make their respective grade grand finals. At the after-match presentation, both skippers were generous in their praise of their team and their opponents. Lyndale skipper Errol Rose was able to smile despite this being the fifth consecutive season the flag has eluded his side, while Mont Albert skipper Brad Woolhouse thanked all his players and paid tribute to his good friend Michael Massey for his contribution to the the Vets program at MACC.