Premier Cricket 2018-19: Dean Russ becomes Footscray’s leading run-scorer

FOOTSCRAY champion Dean Russ crafted his 14th Premier Cricket century on Saturday and became the club’s leading First XI run-scorer.

Dean Russ moved past Michael O’Keefe’s record of 7194 runs on Saturday. Picture: Hamish Blair

FOOTSCRAY champion Dean Russ crafted his 14th Premier Cricket century on Saturday and became the club’s leading First XI run-scorer — a measure of his unquestionable consistency, immense skill and longevity.

The left-hander hammered 117 in the Dogs’ loss to Ringwood at Merv Hughes Oval, lifting his season tally to 360 runs at 72.

Russ was the mainstay of the home side’s innings, striking 10 boundaries and a six in his 180-ball stay.

Dean Russ with his 72nd run today has become Footscray CC highest First XI run scorer, passing Michael O’Keefe 7,194. Congratulations Russy @vicpremcricket pic.twitter.com/dTjIZmQFfd

— FootscrayCricketClub (@footscc) November 10, 2018

“All I can say about him is what a player. What else do you say?” Dogs coach Stan Nell said.

“He’s the consummate professional. He’s probably one of the best senior pros I’ve seen anywhere in the world.

“I’ve coached first-class cricket in the subcontinent and worked with the national squad and whatever else. He’s just one of the best pros I’ve seen.”

Nell said the fact Russ passed Michael O’Keefe’s mark of 7194 runs to become the most prolific batsmen in Footscray’s history was “no surprise”.

The 32-year-old played two Sheffield Shield matches for Victoria in 2014, returning 77 runs from three innings with a best of 47.

“He’s just a really good first-class cricketer playing Premier Cricket,” Nell said.

Despite Russ’s heroics, the Dogs fell to a 53-run defeat and are languishing in 14th spot on the ladder after six rounds with a 1-1-4 record.

A top-order collapse proved costly before Russ and skipper Dylan Kight (30) temporarily halted the bleeding with a 73-run stand.

Dylan Kight on his way to 30 for Footscray on Saturday. Picture: Hamish Blair

Nell said Footscray had the worst of the batting conditions as it was rolled for 224 in response to Ringwood’s 8-277dec.

“At 3-30, we could’ve been out for 140 or 150, but we weren’t. The boys batted through, batted really well, but we just fell short. We were all out with eight or nine balls to go. All round I thought it was a solid effort,” he said.

“Disappointed we didn’t get the points, but there’s weeks where you’ll cop the (worst) of the conditions and you’ve just got to cop it on the chin and get on with it.

“It was disappointing. I spoke to the players after the game and told them be disappointed but don’t be disillusioned.”

Nell said playing for a draw was not considered, adding that would do nothing for his team’s development.

Footscray will next meet St Kilda in a Saturday-Sunday fixture away from home this weekend.