VTCA: Big names firing, maiden centuries and recruits delivering

Big names firing, maiden centuries and recruits delivering on their potential were among all the key talking points from the latest day of VTCA action. Here’s what you might have missed.

Tim Moses hit his maiden century. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The weekend’s VTCA action saw the first day of more two-day fixtures.

There were plenty of first across the competition as batsman made big scores.

Here’s everything you need to know.

DOUTTA IMPORT TONS UP

In just his third outing for Doutta Stars, UK import and assistant coach Tim Moses scored his maiden VTCA hundred on Saturday. The Stars’ assistant coach bashed 118 from 141 balls, including 13 boundaries and a pair of sixes. Incredibly, it more than quadrupled his previous best of 26, while his top-score during a stint at Seddon in 2017-18 was just 36. Together with Patrick Willach’s 77, Doutta Stars posted 8-277 against West Coburg at Buckley Park. Moses is best known for his bowling, at Seddon he topped the Senior Division wicket-taking charts.

BIG GUNS FIRE FOR CLUBBERS

When it’s not going your way, you need your experienced leaders to step up and that’s exactly what Yarraville Club got on Saturday. As wickets fell around them, Michael Hill (58) and Trent Lawford (63) stood tall to lift their side to a sizeable 241 against St Albans. Nathan Johnson added 35 valuable runs late too. The Saints will hope Senior Division leading run-scorer Nils Priestley can fire again this weekend in the chase.

WARRIORS SET BIG TASK

Pawan Wickramasinghe (73), Thilina Masmulla (56) and Ryan Nankervis (41) lifted Westmeadows to 256 after they chose to bat on Saturday against Deer Park at McLeod Reserve. It looks a defendable total but the Lions have feasted on rival attacks this season. Daniel Sartori (209), Hashan Wanasekara (172) and Dean Russ (159) are all in the top-six leading run-scorers in the competition. The hosts have made a strong start, reaching 0-57 from 11 overs before stumps. Wanasekara (34 not out) and Angelo Emmanuel (23 not out) will return this weekend to lead the chase.

NIGHTINGALE’S SPECIAL INNINGS

Footscray Angliss star Daniel Nightingale was crucial in his side’s first innings against East Coburg at the weekend. The opener posted 112 to help guide his side to 8-271 form its 80 overs. He was well supported by Patrick Galea who posted a half-century.

COORAY GIVES HIS SIDE A FIGHTING CHANCE

Airport West St Christopher’s has middle order batter Dinesh Ranga Cooray to thank for it still being within of a chance of victory against Haig Fawkner. Cooray posted 105 runs off 167 balls after coming to the crease with his side in early trouble. He eventually helped guide them to 221 before Haig closed out the day 2-4 after Joe Gill struck late. Asher Warnakulasooriya was the pick of the bowlers for Haig with 5-37.

A MAIDEN DRAGONS CENTURY

As Barkly Street Uniting posted 8-314 against Melton Centrals, middle order batter Julian Powell was at the centre of the action. Powell hit 108 runs from 154 deliveries including 12 boundaries and one six. Meanwhile, opener Shaheer Shikrani chipped in 75 runs. Ryan Dreaver was the pick of the bowlers with 3-61.

LANKAN SKIPPER’S DEBUT FALLS FLAT

Just getting the opportunity to bowl to Sri Lanka Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne was special for Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s quick Daniel Umbers. To nick him off second ball is the stuff dreams are made of. Karunarathna made his VTCA debut for Caroline Springs at Maribyrnong Park on Saturday and few would have predicted it would be over so quickly. However, a “bloody ripper” from Umbers had him caught behind by Tom Keast for just two. Late runs from Gavin McCallum (76) and Daniel Le-Paez (39) helped Caroline Springs to reach 212.

IMPERIALS RECRUIT GOES LARGE

Williamstown Imperials recruit Tom Burton was on fire on Saturday, scoring a brilliant hundred against Glenroy at Sewell Reserve. A well-known run-maker in the Eastern association, Burton brought his talents to the VTCA and hit 114 from 164 balls – including 16 fours. Together with Cameron Kidd (37), Imperials posted 253.

GRAND UNITED TAKE EARLY POINTS

The Gorillas will be eyeing off an outright win in Division 2 against Sunbury next weekend after a dominant day one display. Grand United rolled the home side for just 85 as Ben Doll led the way with 5-19. They eventually reached 9-166 in 25 overs to close out play as Leniko Boucher top scored with 59 runs.