Premier Cricket: ‘Macca’ Harvey century sets up Carlton victory

Mackenzie Harvey had to contend with a former Test paceman and a soft wicket as he peeled off first Premier hundred for Carlton.

Carlton’s Mackenzie Harvey scored his maiden Premier hundred. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Carlton’s big season rolls on.

The Blues thrashed Dandenong on Saturday to bank their eighth win and continue their march to the finals.

And it was a red-letter day for Carlton opener Mackenzie Harvey, who scored his maiden Premier Cricket century in his 44th game.

Facing former Aussie speedster James Pattinson on a soft, seaming pitch at Princes Park, he carried his bat to make 117 not out off 140 balls and escort Carlton to 1-264.

Harvey and Carlton skipper Evan Gulbis (70) put on 119 for the first wicket before Blues run machine Harry Smyth clipped 68 not out.

Dandenong, in reply, could only manage 134.

Mackenzie Harvey batting for Carlton. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Gulbis said Harvey’s knock was full of skill and determination.

“He was fantastic. His application on a tricky wicket to cash in and not give up an opportunity was second to none,” Gulbis said.

“I think it was a good stepping stone for him…it was his first Premier hundred but also the style of cricket he played wasn’t your typical flashy BBL innings which he’s been very capable of doing.

“It was a grafting, hard working knock which if he can add that element to his game hopefully it takes his cricket to new heights.”

Gulbis said the wicket didn’t suit Pattinson’s aggressive style but he was still a handful.

“The wicket was wet so it was hard to bat but also the quicks found it hard to stand up,” he said.

“He (Pattinson) wasn’t bowling fast because he just couldn’t. He’s a quality player and we showed him the respect that he deserves but the wicket didn’t suit him coming in and trying to bowl fast.

“In saying that it was very hard to bat on as well.

“It was a good challenge. We needed to see where we are at in this competition so to lose one wicket against a team with an Australian Test cricketer in their bowling attack was a really good effort on a wicket that was seaming around and was a bit soft.”

Gulbis said a feature of Harvey’s innings was his straight driving.

“We all know how good he is square of the wicket but I think he hit three sixes straight,” Gulbis said.

“He hit some nice straight drives early.

“Seeing him tailor his batting to suit the situation I think that’s where he’s starting to get to with his cricket.”

Carlton’s Harry Smyth. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Smyth has lifted his batting average for the season to 115 and racked up 577 runs, still with five games plus finals to come.

“His game has gone to the next level,” Gulbis said of Smyth.

“He’s starting to add good strike rate to his game and some boundary hitting prowess.

“I think he’s exploring some ideas to make him an even better player.

“I think we’ve got a line up that’s making us quite scary as a batting group when you’ve got Tom Smyth, Nick Ross and Connor Rutland who didn’t even get a hit and we made 260 on a poor wicket.”

Xavier Crone and Eddy O’Sullivan both took 3-27, while Cameron Stevenson, Rutland, Gulbis and Nick Woods all took a wicket apiece as the Blues dismissed Dandenong in 41 overs.

Sophie Reid (left) with Carlton women's captain Addy Campion.

Meanwhile, Sophie Reid became Carlton’s first female player to play in its men’s program when she lined up in the thirds.

A big crowd watched on as she made 9 not out off 11 balls and wicketkept, taking a catch.

“She got off the mark with a cut shot second ball for three and played her role really well,” Gulbis said.

“She arguably looked as comfortable as anyone in the game, if not more. She was fantastic.

“It was awesome for our club to create an opportunity for her to learn more about her own cricket.

“We want her to be striving to be playing women’s cricket for Victoria.”