VTCA 2018-19: Druids destroy Altona North in Division 1 West semi-final

Sam Thurston collected his third five-wicket haul of the season to pilot Druids’ crushing semi-final win over Altona North on Saturday

Druids celebrate a wicket in Saturday’s thumping semi-final win. Picture: Josie Hayden

Sam Thurston collected his third five-wicket haul of the season to pilot Druids’ crushing semi-final win over Altona North on Saturday.

The minor premier needed just one day to secure a VTCA Division 1 grand final berth, with Thurston returning 5-32 from 25 overs in a marathon spell as he bowled unchanged from one end.

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North was rolled for 67 after winning the toss and electing to bat at Kevin Shorten Reserve before Druids raced to 1-70 from 11 overs to move one win away from the ultimate prize.

Indika Gallage supported Thurston with aplomb, snaring 3-7 from nine overs, while skipper Leigh Wilson (36 not out) and Shane Windridge (24 not out) completed the job.

Druids will face either Aberfeldie or Airport West St Christophers in the decider.

Sam Thurston celebrates one of his five wickets. Picture: Josie Hayden

“It was the best bowling performance I’ve seen from us for probably five or six years,” Wilson said.

“The pitch was pretty good actually. When we batted on it, it was one of the better ones we’ve batted on all year.

“The boys, led by Sam, bowled really well. It was backed up by everyone in the field as well.”

Thurston’s haul took his season tally to 38 wickets at 11.1 apiece.

He has been a model of consistency, grabbing three wickets or more nine times in 2018-19.

“He’s just stepped up his game again this year,” Wilson said of Thurston.

“He is someone you can just rely on … and he’s able to consistently be at the batsman and not go for runs either.

“He has led our attack all year and hopefully he can continue to do it in the next game.

“He’s not overly quick, but he’s always in that (good) area and gets a little bit of movement either way. He is just always at the batsman and doesn’t give them too much to go at.

“He’s a taller bowler and gets a good bit of bounce as well for someone who’s probably not bowling that quick.”

Druids skipper Leigh Wilson appeals for a wicket. Picture: Josie Hayden

Druids have lost three games post-Christmas, including a final-round defeat to Moonee Valley when they were dismissed for a paltry 58 on a forgettable day.

But the manner in which the perennial contender rebounded has it brimming with confidence after a grand final loss and two semi-final defeats in the past three summers.

“It’s a big confidence boost to be honest,” Wilson said.

“Our form’s been a bit patchy since Christmas, so to have a game like that shows us what we’re capable of.

“It’s going to be a little bit more difficult in a grand final, especially over four days, but it gives us confidence our best is as good as anyone’s.”