Premier Cricket: Rash of wides leaves Richmond’s Shobit Singh short of maiden century

Richmond’s emerging young opener Shobit Singh was left shy of a maiden century after a bizarre finish to the match against Prahran.

Richmond celebrates as Prahran opening batsman Nicholas Blaich sets out for the pavilion.

It was a thumping victory for Richmond – over the reigning premier, no less - but it didn’t end the way the Tigers wanted.

Young opener Shobit Singh was on 98 when the Tigers still needed eight runs to defeat Prahran at Toorak Park on Saturday.

But, bizarrely, the last eight all came in wides and the right-hander was left two short of a maiden century.

Singh had faced 113 deliveries and put away 3 sixes and 9 fours, a career-best for a player who was much decorated in under-age cricket.

Richmond paceman Mitchell Perry goes at Prahran. Picture: Valeriu Campan

A rash of wides from Prahran allrounder Lachie Bangs denied him the chance to get three figures for the first time in Victorian Premier Cricket.

Left-armer Bang’s over went W, W, 5W and W. His three overs cost him 28 and included 12 wides on a day when Prahran bowled 16 of them.

In fact, Richmond scorer Michael Robinson said 11 of Richmond’s last 14 runs came in wides.

The Tigers finished at 2-194 in reply to Prahran’s 193.

Shobit Singh batting for Richmond last season.

They had sent the hosts in and quickie Mitch Perry gave them the start the decision demanded when he removed class pair James Billington (2) and Damon Egan (1).

Bangs (44) and Will Sutherland (37) improved Prahran’s position but the Tigers kept getting the wickets they needed to keep control of the match. Former Tiger Bailey Moon was 34 not out however the titleholders were unable to raise anything like the target they wanted to set.

Richmond offie Reiley Mark.

Perry took 3-43 off his 10 overs, and the worthy Andrew Humphries and young Jonathan D’Rozario both took two wickets.

Richmond made a perky start in the reply, with Singh and Yash Pednekar (29) putting on 68.

Jake Fraser-McGurk smoked 36 off 30 balls as the Tigers took their second win of the season in great style.

Singh called it a “good, convincing win, which is really good for the club’’.

As for being stranded on 98, he said it was disappointing but out of his hands.

Singh was an Australian Under 16 representative and played most of his junior cricket at Mt Waverley, in between his school cricket with Haileybury College.

Prahran batsman William Sutherland. Picture: Valeriu Campan

He joined Richmond three years ago, crossing from Casey South Melbourne, and made his First XI debut last season, impressing with three scores in the 40s.

“Loving it there,’’ he said of the Tigers. “Good group, good guys, we’re a really young and we have fun.’’

Singh said his aim this season was to be consistent, bat well and help Richmond to some wins, which is exactly what he did on Saturday.

Prahran has started the season with two wins, two losses and a draw, and sits seventh on the ladder. The Tigers have the same record and are eighth.

* Prahran had a centurtymaker in the Fourth XI, with opener Lachlan Zissis hitting 104 in a five-wicket victory for his team.