BPCA wrap: Newcomb snaps 392-day winless streak Barwon Heads win another nailbiter
Newcomb has broken its win drought in compehensive fashion, and they have one man in particular to thank, while the last placed side in A1 came close to upsetting the reigning premiers.
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The brilliance of Shane Healey on and off the field has led Newcomb to its first win in 392 days – and it came in comprehensive fashion.
The Bulls reached Surf Coast’s target of 123 early on day two with playing coach Healey once again leading the way with 66 and off-season recruit Praveen Mayavel making an unbeaten 51.
Newcomb declared on 7-206 to give themselves a chance of an outright win – Healey taking two wickets and Stuart Keys claiming 3-21 – and had the Stingrays six wickets down before they passed the 83 required.
The win was a long time in the making and president Brendan Sheedy – who has been a part of the losses in the past year before moving down to D-grade this season- said a lot of the thanks should go to Healey.
“He is fantastic.. I sort of retired from A-grade three weeks ago,” Sheedy said.
“I was sad because he is in the top two cricketers I have ever taken the field with. And even at 40 he is still killing it, he has made 240 runs in four games.
“I will miss that but I’m just really happy for Shane and all the young blokes in the side. It was fantastic and hopefully that gives them a bit of momentum and a bit of confidence moving forward.”
Sheedy said Healey’s contribution off the field has been just as important, helping drive recruiting and off-field standards that brought about the drought breaking victory.
“It is pleasing for the club because obviously we have had an influx of players like Praveen,” Healey said.
“It is also really, really pleasing to see the hard work that Shane has put in starting to pay off.
“With recruiting, just trying to improve the standard as in, being at the ground early with the warm-ups.
“We have new equipment, new warm-up gear, look more professional and it sort of transcended into the players I guess as well. The players are a little bit more prepared before a game.
“He was rapt, all the boys were rapt when I got back to the rooms. It was a really good feeling around the club.”
BPCA1: COUTAS GIVE GULLS A SCARE IN ANOTHER THRILLER
Barwon Heads has pulled off another nailbiting win after last-placed Queenscliff gave the Seagulls an almighty scare.
Queenscliff had the Seagulls on the ropes at 4-57 chasing 204 for victory and it was teenager Harry Hyland who was the saviour.
Just a day after completing his Year 12 exams, Hyland made an unbeaten 61 to steer Barwon Heads to a three-wicket win, with Matthew High (40) and Max Melzer (38) also making strong contributions.
Opening bowler Luke Adam took four key wickets to keep Queenscliff in the game but the Seagulls managed to scrape over the line, with 15-year-old Angus Mackie holding his wicket at the end with Hyland.
It is the second time this season Barwon Heads has pulled off a come-from-behind win over Queenscliff, making 50 runs for the eighth wicket to knock off the Coutas in round two.
The win puts Barwon Heads in top spot while the Coutas remain on the bottom, but Seagulls skipper Dan Donaldson said they are not far away from their first win.
“They haven’t won a game but they are there and thereabouts. We’ve beaten them twice now where we have gone from a come from behind position and got ourselves out of trouble to get ourselves over the line.
“I said to (Queenscliff captain Hayden Illingworth), I’m sure they’re disappointed but they are not far off the pace. I still suggest they will string some wins together and they can beat anyone on their day.
Originally published as BPCA wrap: Newcomb snaps 392-day winless streak Barwon Heads win another nailbiter