First PDCA Premiership – A-Grade, Grade 4, 1961/62

Sandy Creek won their first Para Districts premiership in their fourth season in the competition, 1961/62.

Coming from nowhere after a quiet start to the season, the Cockatoos won the semi final easily, with their tally of 300 runs more than double Willaston’s 9/144.

In the Grade 4 Grand Final, Sandy Creek continued their fine form with the ball, dismissing Elizabeth North for just 73 runs. Gordon Bellchambers was the pick of the bowlers with 5/17, but all bowlers took at least one wicket – Squires 1/3, Dick Bellchambers 2/33, Bill Warner 1/14, Saltmarsh 1/0.

In reply, Sandy passed North’s score with 5 wickets in hand. Squires top scored with 54, and five others made double figures as the Cockatoos forged out 136 runs to take a handy first innings lead of 63.

Elizabeth North went back in to have a crack at reversing the result in an outright win, declaring on 8/142 they hoped to bowl Sandy Creek out for under 80 in the remaining overs. Despite getting 4 cheap wickets, they were unable to do so and Sandy Creek finished on 4/34, winning the premiership on the first innings.