VTCA 2019-20: Druids knock off reigning premier Strathmore
After earning promotion last season, Druids are sitting pretty in second spot in VTCA Senior Division and have conquered both 2018-19 grand finalists.
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Druids have issued a statement to their rivals in the opening rounds of the VTCA Senior Division season, conquering both of last season’s grand finalists.
The 2018-19 Division 1 West premiers have shown they are no easybeats in the top flight with wins over Strathmore and Doutta Stars.
Druids knocked off the Mores by 65 runs in Sunday’s one-day clash at Shorten Reserve, leaving them in second spot on the table and equal on points with the ladder-leading Stars.
But coach Michael Hay stopped short of declaring his team a genuine finals contender, acutely aware it is only early in the season.
“I don’t think we can judge that this soon because we haven’t played all the sides,” Hay said.
“All the teams are pretty good, so there are no easy games.
“If you have an off day, you’re probably going to lose.
“But confidence is high in the club, which I’m happy about. We’ll definitely be pushing for it (finals).”
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Hay led the way for Druids with a fine knock of 70, which included four boundaries and four sixes.
Hay and James Waters (38 not out) combined for a crucial 94-run stand for the sixth wicket after their team slipped to 5-73.
Druids ultimately posted 6-173 from their 40 overs before their bowlers sealed a convincing win by rolling Strathmore for 108.
“It wasn’t an easy wicket to bat on,” Hay said.
“But if you just played straight and took your time to get in, set yourself, then it wasn’t too bad.”
Nathan Johnson (3-22), Sam Thurston (3-25) and Andrew Brennan (2-13) fired with the ball, with just three Mores batsmen reaching double figures.
Hay said relentless pressure proved vital as his side claimed 10 wickets in just 34.2 overs.
“Throughout that middle period with Andrew Brennan and Sam Thurston, that partnership was phenomenal,” he said.
“They just stuck to it. They hit their lines and wickets fell from there, with just a bit of pressure and dot-ball bowling.
“We left it to the other team to take the risk.”
Druids will next host Sunshine United in a two-day fixture, starting this weekend.
“It’s just a confidence-booster, stepping up a league and knowing we’ve knocked off (Strathmore and Doutta Stars),” Hay said.
“I think it’s huge for us.”