During the Christmas season, the sports team will be revisiting some of the most popular stories from 2024. Thank you for your support throughout the year, and we hope you enjoy this special selection. Have a wonderful holiday, no matter how you celebrate!

In an unforgettable moment, Dandenong West secured back-to-back premierships in the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA), sealing their victory with a decisive cut shot by Riley Siwes. This shot not only crowned their efforts but also symbolized the team’s journey, as younger players stepped up in the grand final after a season largely driven by seasoned veterans. Siwes, who bridges both generations, cemented the team’s rise to Turf 1.

Riley has deep connections to the club through his father, Greg, who helped him bond with experienced players like Anthony Brannan and Matt Collett. He’s also been mentored by veteran leg-spinner Malinga Bandara and shares camaraderie with fellow young talents Bailey Howarth and Nathan Power.

The DDCA Turf 2 grand final was a thrilling showcase of high-quality cricket. With just 14 balls remaining, Dandenong West pulled off an incredible two-day batting performance to chase down 208 runs and secure victory in the format’s return to the competition.

The chase began cautiously as openers Nathan Power and Shaun Weir held steady against disciplined bowling from Hansika Kodikara and Sanjay Kahawatte. Parkfield skipper Steve Cannon eventually dismissed Power with a catch at cover, breaking the opening partnership of 37 runs in the 17th over. The scoring pace remained steady throughout the day as Weir, 20-year-old Venuk Hemachandra, Anthony Brannan, Bailey Howarth, and Riley Siwes contributed at different stages.

Parkfield’s bowlers kept up relentless pressure despite hot and taxing conditions. Nick Jeffrey bowled a marathon spell, while others attacked in short bursts. Weir’s typically aggressive batting was restrained; he struck just eight boundaries in his 127-ball innings before retiring due to the heat. By that point, however, he had laid a solid foundation for his team.

After tea, Travis D’Souza dismissed Hemachandra early, forcing Brannan and Howarth to rebuild the innings. Howarth shifted momentum back to Dandenong West before falling, leaving Siwes to take charge of the chase. The young batter displayed remarkable composure and guided his team to victory after Howarth’s dismissal.

Dandenong West’s disciplined approach mirrored their earlier bowling success, led by international stars Nuwan Kulasekara and Malinga Bandara. Parkfield had looked strong at 2/157, with Riley Payne finally reaching a half-century and semi-final star D’Souza at the crease. However, Kulasekara’s back-to-back breakthroughs and Bandara’s masterful precision triggered a stunning collapse.

Bandara’s clever bowling dismantled Parkfield’s middle and lower order, forcing batters into risky shots as they struggled to rotate the strike. He claimed five of the last six wickets in a spell that saw Parkfield crumble for just 50 additional runs. Rising talent Adam Reid wrapped up the innings with his 34th wicket of the season, showcasing his growth under Kulasekara’s mentorship.

The performances of young players like Siwes and Reid highlighted the seamless blend of experience and fresh talent within Dandenong West’s squad. Their success is a testament to teamwork, resilience, and guidance from seasoned players who have paved the way for this new generation of stars.