GVL Data Fantasy | Champion crowned

Both had trailed round one (of two) leader Daniel Webb and his Red Ted Redemption crew — also out of The News office — at the turn for home, but swamped him late in the piece to fight out the finish.

Aldous’ activated emergency Tom Downie almost got him over the final hurdle in the end with a 118 at the weekend, but back-to-back 105s from team namesake Ben Giobbi was the main catalyst for a Payne victory in the Goulburn Valley League fantasy competition.

“Full credit to the boys,” Payne said.

“When it came down to it and the whips were cracking, the selection panel at Obi Wan Giobbi knew the squad had what it took to take the win.

“It’s never about who’s in front at the turn, you’ve just got to really want to greet the judge at the post more than anyone else in the race.”

Webb’s efforts were valiant, especially finding Mooroopna’s Liam Betson at an average of more than 100 points per round across the length of the fantasy competition.

Zac Standish’s Hartley’s Heroes would have been disappointed not to see his team’s namesake take to the field, but subsequently buoyed by the performance of emergency Patty Marks.

In sixth spot overall was James Kleeman and his Welsh’s Wizards — and Benalla’s Chris Welsh certainly lived up to the hype in the fantasy ranks.

Scores of 145 and 132 had him in the top 10 across each round, joining Seymour’s Riley Mason (138 and 127) as the most consistent — and outstanding — performers.

Max Stainkamph’s Worth the Waite banked six tons at the weekend — but three DNPs across his squad of 10 scuppered any chance of a late run to success.

News editor Tyler Maher’s strategy of targeting forwards for spots in his Goal’d Miners squad spectacularly backfired as he pulled up lame in the straight to finish a (very) distant last.

If you’re interested in being involved in any potential local fantasy competitions in the future, email tyler.maher@mmg.com.au

In the meantime, we’ll see you at the Moama Bowling Club for the post-fantasy celebrations.