Premier Cricket: Harry Smyth goes past 500 runs for Carlton
A Carlton batter lifted his average above 100 as the Blues continued their post-Christmas winning streak in Premier Cricket.
Inner South
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It’s turning into another golden summer for Carlton No 3 Harry Smyth.
After starting the season with an unbeaten century, the 27-year-old has maintained his hunger for runs, churning them out at a rapid and consistent rate as the Blues march to the Premier Cricket finals.
On Saturday he peeled off 89 not out to steer Carlton to victory against Fitzroy Doncaster — taking his season tally to 509, at 101.9, in the process.
Only Ringwood master blaster Tom Rogers (687 runs at 137.40) sits above Smyth on the stats ladder.
After dismissing the Lions for 156, the Blues in reply were wobbling at 4-45 before steadying and achieving victory in the 47th over, making 6-157.
Smyth is poised to go past another significant milestone; he needs only six runs for 5000 career runs for Carlton in all forms.
And he deserves a crack at the next level, according to Carlton skipper Evan Gulbis.
Smyth played two Victorian 2nd XI games in 2018, making 101 runs from limited chances.
That followed his stunning 2017-18 season when he scored 814 runs, at 50, for Carlton.
Carlton has banked seven wins to cement second spot behind St Kilda.
The Blues and the Saints meet in the Super Slam final at the Albert Ground on Tuesday night.
On Saturday, the Blues’ bowlers had Fitzroy Doncaster in early trouble as Gulbis (3-32) and Xavier Crone, back from a stint with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash, struck telling blows.
Crone collected 4-19 off 10 overs.
Left-arm spinner Eddy O’Sullivan also impressed with 2-39 off 10, boosting his season tally to 13 scalps, at 18.5 apiece.
Meanwhile, Carlton’s seconds produced a sizzling bowling display to beat Fitzroy Doncaster and consolidate top spot.
Kavisan Thavarajah (3-18), Dominic Sullivan (3-24) and Matthew Culvenor (3-40) combined to dismiss the Lions for 156. In reply, the Blues got home with three overs and three wickets to spare; opener Andrew Poppa continuing his impressive form with 64 not out and keeper Jamie Shepherd cracking 37.
The thirds remained in the top eight, despite losing, and the fourths climbed to sixth spot with a win, set up by young gun Xavier Austin’s 54.
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