VSDCA 2021-22: Taylors Lakes banks early wins

Opener Luke Denny peeled off 92 not out as the Lions took a big scalp to continue their impressive start to the Subbies season.

Luke Denny of Taylors Lakes plays a classical drive. Picture: Hamish Blair

Taylors Lakes has newfound belief — and it’s growing.

The Lions scored a rousing seven-wicket win over perrenial finalist Williamstown on Saturday to bank their second win in three games in Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association South-West group.

The smiles are back at Lionheart Reserve after a winless 2020-21 season.

Talented opener Luke Denny steered Taylors Lakes to victory, hitting a crisp 92 not out off 99 balls as the Lions reeled in Williamstown’s 6-165, replying with 3-169 in 36.5 overs.

Denny, who put away 6 fours and 3 sixes with power straight hitting, looked set to register his first senior century before victory was achieved.

“We’ve given him that role at the top of the order, to go hard at the bowling attacks,’’ Taylors Lakes captain-coach Alex Deuchar said.

“We’ll just back him in and when he has his day it’s going to be something special like it was yesterday.’’

Denny, 19, had a splendid day; in the opening 20 minutes of play he threw down the stumps from point to run out Williamstown opener Patrick O’Malley and he also bowled well, taking 1-29 off eight overs with his offies.

Trent Waring bowling for Greenvale Kangaroos. Picture: Derrick den Hollander

Kingston Hawthorn recruit Kaidin Jackson showed his class with a stylish 41 at No 3, sharing an 85-run partnership with Denny.

Jackson also did well with the ball, snaring 2-19 off five overs, including the key wicket of Williamstown’s top-scorer Matthew Dervan (49).

“I played with Kaidin at Kingston and it was good for him to show the other boys at Taylors Lakes he can play,’’ Deuchar said.

“He’s going to be really important for us.

“He also broke a partnership for them...he came on and did a job into the wind and took a couple of important wickets.’’

Lachlan Marr cracked 22 off 31 balls, including a big six, as the Lions hurried towards the target.

Earlier, ex-Greenvale Kangaroos paceman Trent Waring (1-27) and former first-class spinner Buddhika Janith (1-32) bowled well.

Williamstown players. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Williamstown’s other main run scorers were James Cook (43) and Matthew Twentyman (28).

Taylors Lakes launched a robust recruiting campaign in the off-season and it paid off, netting four quality, expererienced players — Deuchar , Waring, Jackson and Janith.

Deuchar said the mood and work ethic at Taylors Lakes were excellent.

“There’s a lot of belief,’’ he said.

“Everyone’s bought into what we are trying to do.

“Even yesterday when we came off the ground the first thing all the lads did was put FrogBox on to watch the Second XI game and see those boys get home.

“Everyone is really invested in everyone at the club and it’s just awesome.’’

The Lions’ Second XI won by seven runs, restricting Williamstown to 9-180 after some excellent bowling from Stefan James (2-36), Samuel Domazetovski (1-30) and Nicholas Schneider (1-24).

Earlier, Michael Brne (39), Marcus Just (28) and Owen Thompson (46) led the batting effort of 6-187.

Taylors Lakes tackles Spotswood today (Sunday).