VTCA 2018-19: Airport West St Christophers building toward success
ALMOST a decade after the club contested one of the greatest VTCA grand finals in living memory, Airport West St Christophers is eyeing a return to the big stage.
North West
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IT IS almost a decade since Airport West St Christophers contested one of the greatest VTCA grand finals in living memory.
The West Saints were beaten by Yarraville Club in an epic Senior Division decider in 2009-10, when the Clubbers overturned a 15-run first-innings deficit to triumph by one wicket.
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Airport West St Christophers has not been back to the biggest stage since, losing semi-finals in 2013-14 and 2015-16.
First-year West Saints coach Mark Pallini has ambitions to return the club to those heights, targeting a tilt at Division 1 West glory this summer.
“The ultimate is to play finals and have a crack,” Pallini said.
“Anything can happen when you get into the finals.”
Airport West St Christophers has made an encouraging start to 2018-19, defeating Greenvale Kangaroos and Tullamarine in its opening three matches.
The club’s only slip up came against Druids, a likely premiership contender after it finished top of the North West Division ladder last summer.
“We really need to focus on getting as many wins as we can before Christmas,” Pallini said.
“It sets you up for when we come back after Christmas, to reset and look into January, February, March and finals.
“That’s what we really need to do. We had a hiccup against Druids. They are a good side.
“But we refocused, we analysed. The guys bounced back really well with the bat.”
The West Saints amassed what was their best total in nine seasons in their victory over Tullamarine — 6-317.
They bettered that on Saturday when they plundered 336 against Laverton to set up another likely victory.
All-rounder Dinesh Cooray has made a superb start to the campaign, compiling 196 runs, while new skipper Jordon Kelly made his first senior hundred in the win against Tullamarine.
Kelly continued his hot streak with 86 against Laverton, while Gihan Kankanamge topscored with 93.
Elsewhere, Aberfeldie compiled 228 before landing a late blow against Greenvale Kangaroos.
The Roos will resume at 1-4 this weekend after Thomas Godsell (1-4) had Josh Whatman caught.
Godsell topscored with 64 from 144 balls for Abers, while Craig Sheedy added 63 from 131 deliveries.
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