VTCA 2018-19: Batting depth boosts Druids hopes of flag
INCREASED batting depth will be pivotal to Druids’ hopes of a breakthrough VTCA flag, says skipper Leigh Wilson.
North West
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INCREASED batting depth will be pivotal to Druids’ hopes of a breakthrough VTCA flag, says skipper Leigh Wilson.
The West Footscray club has been a perennial contender in recent summers, reaching two semi-finals and a grand final in the past three seasons.
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But Druids has been unable to convert its regular-season form into finals success, losing tense semi-finals to Seddon and Haig Fawkner.
“Three years ago we were in the grand final, won first innings then lost outright,” Wilson said.
“The last two years we have finished in the top-two, had home finals and got done in the semi.
“We’ve been around the mark for 3-4 years, so we think this year could be a pretty good one if we stick to the task.”
The addition of opener batsman Steve Nicholson (Mt Clear) and Englishman Sam Handley has eased the reliance on Wilson, Shane Windridge and playing coach Michael Hay, who contributed more than 50 per cent of their side’s runs last summer.
Wilson (597 runs) and Hay (479) were the most prolific batsmen in North West Division, while Windridge compiled 224 runs.
“Our batting depth is probably something we haven’t had for a fair while,” he said.
“In the first game, (we had) Kane Roach, who was going to bat at nine, and Sam Thurston at 10. They have both won batting championships at the club.
“They are both capable with the bat and could do a job up the order for us if we really needed them.”
Nicholson and Handley have also added to the spin-bowling options at Wilson’s disposal, complementing Indika Gallage, James Waters and Thurston in a dangerous bowling arsenal.
“Over the last 5-6 years we really haven’t had a spinner,” Wilson said.
“Micky Hay is a decent bowler, but he’s probably not a specialist spinner.
“He’s more of a batsman who bowls quite well. This year we’ve also got Steve and Sam Handley, who didn’t even bowl in the first game. We’ve got a bit of variety there.”
Druids sits top of Division 1 West after an eight-wicket win over Airport West St Christophers on Saturday.
Wilson was unbeaten on 71 when Druids reeled in its target of 117 in 21.2 overs.
Thurston starred with the ball, snaring 5-19 from eight overs.
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