VSDCA 2019-20: Kew knocks off St Bernard’s to secure semi-final spot
Kew has extended its VSDCA finals stay, with an Andrew Chalkley century and a fine bowling display giving it a thumping win over St Bernard’s.
Inner East
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Kew has advanced to the second week of VSDCA North-South group finals on the back of an outstanding bowling performance and a commanding century from marquee recruit Andrew Chalkley.
New-ball combination Tom Chalkley (4-21 from 14.3 overs) and Will Sist (3-29 from 12) were almost unstoppable on Saturday as St Bernard’s crumbled to be all out for 74 in the qualifying final.
After an early wobble on day one, Kew powered to 4-218 on Sunday to secure a semi-final berth.
Kew captain-coach Chris Weeks heaped praise on his bowlers, with the visitors’ superb fielding and the fact they won the toss after a few days of significant rain also playing in their favour.
Andrew’s cousin Tom Chalkley has also proven a key addition, collecting 26 wickets at 14.2 apiece this season after crossing from Carlton.
“Tom Chalkley has been sensational since he’s come to the club,” Weeks said.
“He’s just a competitor, hates getting beaten. He’s a really fit guy, so he runs in all day.
“To have Sisty back, he’s had a pretty interrupted season. He was in England and didn’t get back until just after the start of the season.
“He didn’t really find his rhythm until the last few weeks but he’s probably been our best bowler in the last month.”
The duo was ably supported by Alistair Burge (1-2), Jacob de Paiva (1-5) and Olly Birts (1-10).
The run chase got off to a disastrous start with Kew slipping to 2-5 before Andrew Chalkley (138) combined for 95-run stands with Weeks (23) and James Clark (27 not out) to seal an emphatic win.
The former Monash Tigers batsman belted 16 boundaries and five sixes in his 173-ball stay, lifting his season tally to 564 runs at 43.4.
“Chalks was excellent. You need your experienced players and better players to stand up, and he certainly did that,” Weeks said.
Kew has won four of its past five matches and Weeks said his team was building momentum at the right time.
“We had such a change in the playing group from last year. I think we’ve got four or five new faces in the side, which is a big change for any side,” he said.
“Since I’ve been playing Subbies cricket, the sides who have been really successful, like Oakleigh and Caulfield, have had a really consistent group.
“We’re just starting to click, which is good because it’s the right time of year.
“On our day, if we can put it together, I think we’ve shown we can beat anyone.”