WHEN Merton Cricket Club was moved to the B grade competition, no one was expecting the team to make it close to the finals in their first year.

After a successful comeback season last year, they were promoted from C to B grade, the same grade where they won the Seymour premiership in 2017.

Now competing in the Wangaratta competition, team skipper Rohan Berriman was impressed by the team's performance this year.

"When we went up a grade, we thought it'd be a lot harder," he said.

"Everyone stood up."

The B grade competition also has many more teams, heightening the competition further.

"In C grade last year there was only six or seven sides and then moving up to B grade there's 10 or 11," Rohan said.

"There are more people that want to win."

Numbers have been an issue for Merton in the past, but the team had no trouble putting together a side this year.

"We had 11 or 12 players every week so that was positive for us," said Rohan.

There were a variety of ages represented in the team, with many younger players stepping up to play.

"We got six under 21s in our side; so there is a mixture of older guys and younger guys," Rohan said.

"The younger guys have really stepped up this year, which has been good."

With all outdoor summer sports this season, Merton had to navigate delays and interruptions after significant rain and flooding impacted the region.

Despite the delay, Merton performed strongly, with the top of the ladder in reach by Christmas.

"We were second on the ladder coming into Christmas," Rohan said.

"We really had a good start; we were really surprised.

"We dropped away a little bit after Christmas, but we sat third on the ladder for most of the season."

As finals approached, Merton continued to play competitively.

"We always thought we can beat anyone on our day," said Rohan.

"The last round was like elimination final for us.

"We had to beat them as they were above us on the ladder.

"They came with a full side and ready to go and we beat them

"That gave us a bit of momentum coming into finals.

"It was a good test for us."

While the team made it to the semi–finals, Merton fell short to Yarrawonga, missing out on a finals run.

At the league presentations, Merton stood out, keeping competitive over other players and teams throughout the season.

Luke Berriman won the Golden Gloves award for excellent wicket keeping while teammate Jai Lerch–MacKinnon came fourth in the competition for his overall batting.

Jai and Luke Benton came second and third respectively for their bowling efforts as well.

Looking back on the decision to move to B grade, Rohan has no regrets.

"We made the right decision," he said.

"I think we'll just stay in the grade we're in.

"We have some 14, 15 and 16 year olds there so I think another year [of playing and] they'll improve again."

Rohan is proud of the team's journey and, despite missing out on the finals, is looking forward to an even more successful season next time.

"The team can hold their heads high," he said.