Victorian Premier Cricket: Melbourne University spinners starring

Melbourne University might just be home to the best spin attack in Victorian Premier Cricket this season. Here’s why.

Fawad Ahmed of Melbourne University reacts after taking a wicket during the Premier Cricket match between Fitzroy Doncaster and Melbourne Uni at Schramms Reserve in Doncaster, Saturday, February 8, 2020. (Photo/JulianSmith) NO ARCHIVING

Melbourne University has every right to claim it has the best spin attack in Victorian Premier Cricket this season.

Each week it feels as if one of either Doug Warren, Fawad Ahmed or Peter Hatzoglou are stepping up at crucial times for their side.

On Saturday it was Ahmed’s turn as his 3-32 helped the Students restrict Fitzroy-Doncaster to 128 at home.

Not to be outdone, Warren chipped in with 2-21 to take his season tally to a team-high eight wickets.

Hatzoglou did most of his damage with the bat scoring 29 runs off 28 balls including a 43-run run partnership with Mitch Domann (35 not out) to guide his side to victory.

Uni coach Dan Hutton believes it’s “hard to fault” the spinning group after an impressive start to the season.

Fawad Ahmed has made an impressive start to the season.

“They’re bowling in tandem beautifully,” he said.

“It’s nice to have a group of guys you can rely on to step up most weeks. I thought they did a beautiful job to feed off the work of Simon Mackin who did a terrific job with a couple of wickets at the start of their innings.

“For Pete to come in a make those runs the way he did took a lot of pressure off. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone come in and look to score quickly when you’re chasing a low total.

“Really happy with that result.”

Simon Mackin won strong praise from his coach. Photo: Hamish Blair

Saturday’s win saw Melbourne University bounce from two straight defeats a week earlier during a double header weekend.

The Students now have a record of two wins and two losses through the opening five games of the season.

“We’re pretty happy with our start,” Hutton said.

“Sometimes those gritty wins are what you need. Winning form is important especially when we’re playing white ball cricket.

“If we can start to develop those winning habits we’re going to be in a really good spot moving forward.”

The Students will next face Footscray this weekend.