Eastern Cricket Association: Deepdene’s Issy Perera scores maiden ton

A Subbies cricket champion has announced his arrival in the Eastern Cricket Association with back-to-back standout performances including a maiden ton.

Champion local cricketer Marasinghe “Issy” Perera has put the Eastern Cricket Association Wright Shield on notice.

After what he described as a “challenging” start to his time with the Deepdene Bears, he broke through for his first century against Bulleen on Saturday.

He had previously scored two half-centuries before his groundbreaking knock.

His performance followed a 6-29 bowling spell in the first game back since the Christmas break against Edinburgh.

Now Perera says he is now feeling much more like himself — a player who wrote himself into the history books at Noble Park in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association.

“The first few weeks of the season were challenging when I was trying to adjust to a new environment,” he said.

“It was a great pitch to bat on and once I was set I felt like I was in full control of my innings.

“In the past four or five matches, I think I’ve started to find some really good form. But that’s been helped by the team working out what everyone’s roles were.

“I think we’re in a really good position at the moment.”

Issy Perera scored his first century for Deepdene Bears.Picture: Stuart Milligan

Perera’s innings helped the Bears chase down Bulleen’s 7-264 with just two balls to spare as he finished the day unbeaten on 125.

Sudesh Umayanga Guruge’s first century of the season appeared to have Bulleen in a commanding position but Perera was able to steal the show.

“Anything above 200 can be a difficult chase in 40 overs,” he said.

“I was fortunate everything came to me and we were able to make the most of the conditions. It was an outstanding game of cricket to be part of.”

Perera’s innings on Saturday saw him lift his season average to 63.17 while he is averaging 24.18 with the ball having taken 11 wickets.

He described the standard between the ECA and VSDCA as “very close”.

“I’ve come across some very good players,” he said.

“Every team has four or five guys who could make the step up and hold their own in the Subbies.”

Deepdene’s win saw them secure second place on the ladder with Perera hoping his form can coincide with a strong back half of the season for the Bears.

“Hopefully we can push on and run deep into the season,” he said.

“It would be fantastic to experience success with this team.”

[e-mail]