VTCA: Charlie Thurston plays match winning innings for Aberfeldie

An English county batsman produced his best display since arriving in Melbourne to guide Aberfeldie to its fifth straight win as a young gun won praise from his coach.

Aberfeldie is starting to see the quality Charlie Thurston possesses.

The Northamptonshire top order batsman produced his best performance in Abers’ colours on Saturday to guide his side to their fifth straight Victorian Turf Cricket Association Senior Division win.

The 26-year-old finished with 2-37 with the ball and 75 runs from 62 deliveries to guide his side to a five-wicket win over Druids.

Before the weekend’s game, Thurston had just scored just one half-century in his first several games in the VTCA.

Aberfeldie coach Sohan Boralessa said he continued to be impressed by the talented right-hander.

“He’s a good quality player and we’re really enjoying having him at the club,” he said.

“Charlie has shown he can steady the ship in the top order if we are under a bit of pressure but can put runs on the board quickly.

“He bowls a bit of off-spin and that’s something we’ve been working on with him. We’ve got a high quality pace attack and we thought we needed spinner and that’s one of the reasons we’ve thrown him the ball.

“A positive performance and a big step forward.”

Aberfeldie’s Sohan Boralessa. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Anthony Barton registered his third half-century of the season as Aberfeldie reached its target inside 33 overs.

And Boralessa believes a big score isn’t too far away for his star opener.

“Barto and Cam West have been very good for us so far this season, they’ve got us off to some good starts,” he said.

“We know the quality of Barto as a player and I don’t think it will be too long before we’re talking about him putting a huge score on the board.”

Boralessa was also in the thick of the action, claiming 2-33 from his eight overs.

But the Aberfeldie mentor reserved praise for Will Wright (1-11).

“He’s one of our youngsters who is doing well this season,” he said.

“His bowling has been very tight and he’s not giving up many runs.”

Aberfeldie now sits in second position, one game behind reigning premier Haig Fawkner after the first seven rounds.

And momentum is building.

“We didn’t start off the season too well in terms of results, when I didn’t think we were playing bad cricket,” Boralessa said.

“I don’t think we could have asked for a better result on the weekend.”