PORTLAND Colts’ dominance over the Portland and District Cricket Association B grade competition has lived on for yet another season, as they downed opponents South Portland in the grand final at Henty Park on Saturday by 38 runs.

A batting collapse in the previous weekend’s qualifying final against South had forced Colts to reach the play-off via a hard-fought semi-final against Tyrendarra, however there was to be no collapse this time.

The resolute opening duo of Geoff Blackmore (62) and Jeff Cook (47) was once again at the fore in this one, as they took Colts to 0-80, and thus a strong position from the get-go.

They also got strong performances from the rest of their top and middle order, with captain Ash Elijah (27 off 15) along with John Grinstead (17) and Jake Cowie (20 not out) all making valuable contributions.

Craig Cummins picked up two wickets for South, finishing up with figures of 2-47 from eight, while Troy Warburton added 1-29, and Ray Hastings was at his economical best, conceding just 19 runs from his eight overs.

Colts finished up their 40-over innings on 4-188, a total they certainly would’ve taken heading in and one the Demons would need to be at their best to chase down.

Colts got the start they wanted to their defence, as Tony Hollis claimed the wickets of Eamon Drew along with the dangerous son-father duo of Lachie and Troy Warburton without any of them doing much damage on the scoreboard.

This left South in a precarious position at 4-40, and it looked as though Colts would be able to roll to an easy victory.

However, South skipper Adam Thompson and Andrew Payne had other ideas, with the pair putting on 54 runs for the fifth wicket to help lead their side towards a much stronger position.

It was at this point that Colts bowler Travis Earl made his presence known, dismissing both Payne (28) and Thompson (29) in relatively short succession, with special mention to some excellent glovework from Cook.

Although Cummins (25) provided some additional resistance, it would not be enough to resurrect his side once again, as they were eventually bowled out in the 36th over still requiring 39 runs for victory.

Earl finished with 4-28 from his eight overs, but it was Hollis’ work early in the innings that proved vital, with the veteran claiming 3-7 from eight overs.

Cook’s combination of strong batting and great work behind the stumps (he recorded three stumpings, a catch and a run out) were enough to earn him man of the match honours.

Colts skipper Elijah said he thought the key to their success was an improvement in their performance with the bat.

“We hadn’t been at our best recently, we didn’t bat very well against South in the qualifying final, which meant we weren’t competitive in that match,” he said.

“We needed a complete turnaround, and when we won the toss we elected to trust our batters, and fortunately it worked.

“Our two openers gave us a very solid base, which meant we had wickets in hand and so we could push the run rate in the last 20 overs.”

He said his side’s experience was a key component of their victory, as they were able to maintain their composure and back in their ability.

“I think it was a key part of it, the plan was always to get runs on the board if we won the toss… we’re fortunate to have those guys in the top order who can bat the way they did,” he said.

“It’s a great way to cap off the season, we’ve been able to play some of our younger players… we’ve rotated through and give everyone a chance with the bat or ball.

“We do have an ageing list, but with some younger guys in the mix to, it’s been a fun season that I think we’ve all had our part to play.”