VSDCA 2018-19: Graeme Vimpani marks Oakleigh return with 44no

Former Victorian batsman Graeme Vimpani marked his return to Oakleigh’s First XI after a 13-year hiatus with a typically classy hand at the top of the order.

Oakleigh’s Michael Splatt celebrates the wicket of Malvern’s Robert Templeton. Picture: Hamish Blair

Former Victorian batsman Graeme Vimpani marked his return to Oakleigh’s First XI after a 13-year hiatus with a typically classy hand at the top of the order on Saturday.

Vimpani was 44 not out at stumps after the opening day of the Oaks’ VSDCA clash against Malvern, helping the home side race to 0-79 at stumps to secure first-innings points with a day remaining.

BAYSWATER SECURES JG CRAIG UNDER-15 CROWN

SIMON HILL JOINS EXCLUSIVE PREMIER CRICKET CLUB

AUSSIE SKIPPER LANNING’S INCREDIBLE KNOCK

ANOTHER BOX HILL PLAYER JOINS SOUTH CROYDON

The 47-year-old was promoted after knocks off 104 and 54 in the Second XI and looms as a major plus for Oakleigh’s finals campaign.

Alex Jones bends his back for Oakleigh. Picture: Hamish Blair

“He’s always been very close to the club and keeping an eye on what’s happening and talking to all the boys he played with in his era,” captain Brendan McGuinness said.

“It’s just a renewed energy for it, I suppose. He is still hitting like he is in his late 20s or early 30s.

“He’s still a very formidable batsman at this level, so we were obviously rapt when he said he wanted to play.

Well there you go, a comeback to @SubbiesCricket for former Victorian batsman Graeme Vimpani, selected in Oakleigh’s First XI at the age of 47. Last played for the Oaks’ top team 13 years ago. Promoted last night after scores of 104 and 54 in the twos.

— Paul Amy (@PaulAmy375) February 1, 2019

“A player of his quality doesn’t come around too often.

“Regardless of his age, he has got the mental application, the skills and he just enjoys being out there with 10 other blokes and having a bit of fun.”

Vimpani logged three centuries from 30 first-class matches between 1995 and 2001.

Graeme Vimpani gets on the front foot during his days with Victoria.

He returned to Oakleigh before Christmas and has proceeded to cause opposition bowlers myriad headaches.

With the Oaks sitting pretty in fourth position, behind Caulfield, Werribee and Williamstown, Vimpani’s arrival could prove critical during the pointy end of the season.

“For some reason he ended up with a new bat and he wanted to test it out at training. So he came down and got the itch again,” McGuinness said.

“He’s just got a real appetite for cricket again, which is great, and has really brought a real enthusiasm to the game and to the group, and the boys have responded as well.”

Vimpani combined with Andrew Splatt (32 not out) to blunt the new ball after Oakleigh produced its best bowling display of the summer.

Malvern was rolled for a paltry 70 in 47.2 overs after winning the toss, with Alex Jones (3-12), Michael Splatt (3-14), Shane Townsend (2-19) and Geoffrey Latham (1-17) doing the damage.

McGuinness was understandably thrilled with the effort and said the Oaks’ preference was also to bat first.

“Everything just clicked and we bowled a really disciplined line and length all day and were rewarded,” he said.

“The bowlers did a really good job in some pretty hot weather.”

MORE LOCAL SPORT NEWS

OFF-SEASON HQ: LATEST COACH, PLAYER MOVES IN LOCAL FOOTY

GALLERY: THE BEST LOCAL CRICKET PICS FROM FEBRUARY 2

‘LEGEND LABELS BRILLIANT TON ‘THE BEST INNINGS I’VE SEEN’

CRICKETERS REFLECT ON PLAYING DURING BLACK SATURDAY