Premier Cricket 2018-19: Scott Edwards hits maiden century in 19-run loss against Geelong

NEW Monash Tigers No.3 Scott Edwards has made an immediate impact in his new role up the batting order, hitting his maiden First XI century.

Tom O'Connell rolls the arm over for Monash Tigers. Picture: Alan Barber

IT had been 617 days.

But Scott Edwards became Monash Tigers’ first batsman since February 4, 2017 to post a century in the 19-run loss against Geelong on Sunday.

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Edwards converted his maiden First XI half-century into a triple-figure score.

But his hand was not enough for Monash to complete a 3-0 start to the Premier Cricket season.

Blade Baxter holds onto this chance against Geelong. Picture: Alan Barber

The 22-year-old posted a run-a-ball 112, hitting 14 fours, in just his third knock from No. 3, and shared a 128-run partnership with captain Daniel Sartori (66) for the second wicket.

Sartori said Edwards’ work in the off-season, which included two ODI appearances for the Netherlands in August, was paying dividends.

His previous highest First XI score was 38, batting mostly as a lower-order hitter before his promotion to first-drop this season.

“Scotty is a completely different player than what he was last season,” Sartori said.

“That innings was a proper hundred from a proper top-order player. He was in early — we lost an early wicket — and I don’t think he gave a chance.

“I said it at the start of the season, I’m really looking forward to what Scotty’s going to do this season and he’s produced the goods early.”

As it appeared Edwards would take the Tigers to victory at Geelong Cricket Ground, Cats leg-spinner Brenton McDonald intervened with a matchwinning spell.

Eamonn Vines goes on the attack. Picture: Alan Barber

McDonald removed Edwards, the dangerous Marcus Berryman (5) and the promising Jake Fraser-McGurk (4) in quick succession to reduce Monash from 4-222 to 7-239 in pursuit of 9-272.

McDonald also collected the last recognised batsman in Sam Taylor (21) on his way to figures of 4-44 off eight overs, while Dom McGlinchey cleaned up the tailenders Dom Matarazzo and Tom O’Connell to have the visitors all out in the final over.

Monash scored a comfortable seven-wicket win over Footscray at home on Saturday after restricting the Dogs to 6-200.

Half-centuries from Adam Amin (67) and Dan Christian (83 not out) ensured the Tigers cruised to the modest total.