VSDCA 2018-19: Steve Brne snares five wickets as St Bernard’s keeps season alive with victory over Balwyn
St Bernard’s kept its finals flame flickering with a tightly-fought VSDCA win on Saturday.
North West
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St Bernard’s kept its finals flame flickering with a tightly-fought VSDCA win on Saturday.
An “aggressive” declaration at the end of first day’s play proved vital in determining the result as the Snowdogs held on to beat Balwyn by 17 runs.
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The win left St Bernard’s in seventh spot, three points behind Box Hill, meaning it must defeat North-East group ladder-leader Bayswater in the final round to contest finals.
“It was too close for our liking,” coach Nigel Freebairn said.
After setting a target of 177, the visitors had reduced Balwyn to 7-77 and 8-110 before a 48-run ninth-wicket partnership gave the home side a shot at victory.
But star paceman Arosh Janoda (2-21) lifted when it mattered to claim the final two wickets.
Earlier, Steven Brne caused myriad headaches for Balwyn’s batting line-up.
Having taken two top-order wickets on the first day’s play, the veteran finished with figures of 5-46, taking his season wicket tally to 20 from six games after moving mid-season from Sydenham-Hillside.
“He has been very important,” Freebairn said.
“He was known to myself and a couple of the older guys, having played against him over the years, but to turn up at our club with his experience, it was certainly a boost for us.
“He is a wily old fox, very much a stump-to-stump bowler. The wicket at Balwyn was certainly custom made for a bowler like him.”
Needing a win this weekend, Freebairn expects to “throw caution to the wind”.
“It’s a final for us and we’ll be doing everything in our power to upset Bayswater,” Freebairn said.
St Bernard’s enjoyed its best day for the season, with its top three sides winning.
Club president Brendan Davey also scored his maiden century in the thirds, finishing 101 not out.
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