ECA: Kyle Hoath leads East Doncaster to crucial win over Mont Albert

An East Doncaster bowler overcame looking like a “cat on a hot tin roof” to hit the winning runs in a thrilling win as the tailenders showed up the top order.

East Doncaster has its bowlers to thank for a crucial win over Mont Albert.

Not just for their effort with the ball but more importantly the bat.

Tailenders Kyle Hoath (nine runs of 27 balls) and Josh Bourke (two off eight) held their nerve to help their side to a one-wicket win combining for the final six runs to reach 9-130 after Scott Maizels was run out.

East Doncaster captain Matt Vaiano applauded the courage of his teammates in a tense Eastern Cricket Association Dunstan Shield finish.

“Josh and Kyle both held their nerve and didn’t rush what they needed to do,” he said.

“A few of us boys on the boundary were walking up and down because we couldn’t sit still. Then there were the boys who were telling everyone else to sit down.

“When Josh walked out to bat we told him to trust his front foot defence and he did that.

“Kyle played an unbelievable innings after he settled in. He was a bit like a cat on a hot tin roof because he was running as soon as he hit it.

“We’re just really pleased to come away with the win.”

Kyle Hoath was crucial with bat and ball. Picture: Steve Tanner

Earlier, East Doncaster bowled the visitors out for 129 inside 40 overs with Vaiano leading the way with 3-19 from eight overs.

Hoath (2-19), Peter Dickson (2-12) and Riley Jones (2-15) were also among the wickets.

Peter Jordan claimed the run out of Andrew Padbury for 20.

“I thought we bowled really well as a group which helped to set us up,” Vaiano said.

“The boys stuck to their plans and gave us a competitive total to chase down.”

Matt Vaiano was incredibly proud of his team’s performance.

Despite the win, East Doncaster remains half a game outside the competition’s top four.

The ladder sees first place North Balwyn and sixth place Glen Iris by just one game.

“All we can do is keep winning and give ourselves the best chance of playing finals,” Vaiano said.

“Every game is almost like a final for us now and we have to hope a few results go our way in the last few games.”

East Doncaster will face Old Carey in their next game.

Other Dunstan Shield results

Canterbury 6-172 def. Marcellin OC 170

Old Carey 4/129 def. North Balwyn 127

Glen Iris 191 def. Heathmont 113

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