THEY have been the standout team all season.

Now Valleys Cricket Club are the kings of Coffs cricket, after winning Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association’s first grade grand final.

Valleys Cricket Club won the 2023/24 premiership with a 45-run victory against Sawtell, in the two day season decider at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park.

The grand final win capped off a tremendous season in which they only lost once.

Valleys Cricket Club won the toss and elected to bat, and finished all out for 179 in the 63rd over.

Alec Baldwin was the hero of the day for Valleys scoring 93 when others struggled to score.

Richie Gallichan was the pick of the bowlers for Sawtell taking 4-49 from his 19.1 overs.

David Schutt was next best taking 3-40 from 14 overs, with Will Bailey taking 2-26 from 8 overs.

Chasing 180 for a grand final victory, Sawtell were bowled out for 134 in the 60th over.

Josh Bartlett had a top spell taking 3-23 from 19 overs, with Jamison Dawes taking 4-33 from 12.1 overs.

Competition Coordinator – Mid North Coast, David Horseman, gave a recap of the grand final.

“First grade was a very competitive game played in good spirit,” he said.

“Valleys were too strong over the weekend posting 179 runs despite a late collapse.

“Alec Baldwin starred with the bat on 93 after being dropped on a couple of occasions.

“Richie Gallichan taking 4-49 and ably assisted by Dave Schutt and Will Bailey taking three and two wickets respectively.

“The Sawtell chase was stifled when their two opening batters were dismissed without troubling the scorers.

“This put the challengers on the back foot but some steady partnerships put them back in the contest with Trent Mitchell scoring 32 before Valleys broke through the middle order and exposed the tail.

“Jamison Dawes took 4-33 from 12, and skipper Josh Bartlett leading the way with 3-23 from his 19 overs as Sawtell were bundled out for 134.”

Horseman explained what made Valleys such a strong side.

“Valleys are made up of players from Macksville, Nambucca, Bellingen and Dorrigo, so they have a wide pool to select from,” he said.

“If there was a senior North Coast Cricket Council representative competition, they would be very competitive at that level.

“While they have a few players that stood out, they have excellent depth and bat deep into their order.

“Definitely the top team all year.”

By Aiden BURGESS