Wayback Cricket Club have claimed their second consecutive A Grade premiership with a gritty 27-run victory over Charlton in the 2024/25 Port Lincoln Cricket Association Grand Final.

The match was played at Centenary Oval in front of a strong local crowd. Wayback won the toss and elected to bat first on a dry and slightly unpredictable wicket. Runs were hard to come by early, with Charlton applying consistent pressure. Despite regular wickets, Wayback managed to build crucial partnerships through the middle and lower order to post a total of 125 from 44.1 overs, with Sam Cousins (34) and Troy Sargeant (38) being the main contributors. It was a score that didn’t look imposing, but one that gave their bowlers something to work with. 

In reply, Charlton struggled to settle into their chase. Wayback’s bowling unit showed discipline and intensity, with Dylan Vonderwall and Sneh Trivedi taking early wickets and never allowing Charlton to find momentum. A couple of middle-order batters showed some fight, but bowlers Mark Eckert, Jack Parsons and Dave Mansfield took wickets regularly as the required run rate and scoreboard pressure mounted. Charlton were eventually bowled out for 98 in the 37th over with Mansfield finishing with a match-winning 5-12 from 7.3 overs. 

The 27-run win capped off a remarkable season for Wayback, who have now gone back-to-back in the PLCA’s top grade. It was a true team effort, with contributions from all areas. Wayback’s bowlers, in particular, stood tall in the big moments, backed by a sharp and committed fielding display.

The win is a credit to the club’s culture and determination. Congratulations to all players, coaches, volunteers and supporters who made this result possible.