ECA 2020-21: Marcellin Old Collegians beats North Balwyn in thriller

Marcellin Old Collegians claimed a big scalp in Round 1 of the Eastern Cricket Association Dunstan Shield season on Saturday, prevailing in a thriller.

Joel Donnellan helped Marcellin OC make a flying start to the ECA season on Saturday.

Marcellin Old Collegians and North Balwyn finished the Eastern Cricket Association Dunstan Shield home-and-away rounds locked on 39 points last season.

The Bulls qualified for finals by virtue of a superior percentage and went on to win the premiership from fourth.

The Eagles had to be content to watch finals from the sidelines after finishing fifth on the ladder in a credible display in the top flight after claiming the Wright Shield flag the previous summer.

On Saturday, the pair clashed in the opening round of the new season as Marcellin proved its 2019-20 showing was no fluke.

While North Balwyn, Mont Albert, East Doncaster and Canterbury hog the headlines in a competition that continues to get stronger, the Eagles should not be discounted after they knocked off the defending premier by five runs in a Round 1 thriller.

The fixture at Macleay Park came down to the wire after the visitors posted a formidable 7-200 from their 40 overs.

The Bulls showed plenty of fight in reply before they were bowled out for 195 with seven balls remaining.

While there are 13 rounds of one-day matches remaining, Marcellin coach Kris Krolikowski said it was a significant triumph for his team.

“Obviously North Balwyn have been such a good team for so many years,” Krolikowski said.

“Just mentally, I think it helps out a little bit that you can match it with the bigger boys.

“I think North Balwyn is going through a transition sort of stage, but they’ve got some really good young kids coming through, which is really good to see even as an opposition.”

Krolikowski noted there was still plenty to work on but was pleased with the display on the back of a truncated pre-season.

He said a positive start was crucial as his group looks to build belief.

Callan Stewart was not short of confidence after the Eagles were sent in to bat, slamming 59 from 50 deliveries with eight boundaries and a six.

The onslaught allowed the likes of Daniel Kiely (34), Krolikowski (30) and Joel Donnellan (26) to play with freedom as the underdogs went at five runs an over.

“He’s very exciting to watch,” Krolikowski said of Stewart.

“You don’t know what you’re going to get, but I’ve been a coach there for three years now and have been working with him and he’s just getting better and better.

“It’s good to get off to the start we need and takes a bit of pressure off the other guys.”

Nick Watty then dismantled North Balwyn’s top order, removing captain Nitesh Patel (23), Max Tomkinson (7) and Toby Cohen (5) to help reduce the home side to 4-42.

The Bulls then slipped to 6-85 before James Binney (39) and wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Shepherd (26) combined for a 55-run stand.

But ultimately the Eagles overcame some nervous moments to prevail, with Mitchell Carey (3-25) and Watty (3-31) leading the way.

Krolikowski heaped praise on Watty for his vital assault with the new ball.

“Each year he’s getting better and better,” he said.

“He’s getting a bit more mature with his action and bowling, so it’s really good for him to get the rewards.”

Marcellin will next face Old Carey, which scored an eight-wicket win over Surrey Hills on Saturday.

“I think the goal this year will be to sneak into the finals, and you never know what can happen,” Krolikowski said.

“There’s no easy team you’re coming up against.

“You can’t slack off at all because it could hurt you.”

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