VTCA: Doutta Stars secure important Division 1 wins

Doutta Stars’ season is back on track after two huge displays from two of its most important players. Here’s what happened.

The big names of Doutta Stars are coming to the floor when they’re needed most.

Hamish Moore and Patrick Willach delivered huge back-to-back performances on a double header Victorian Turf Cricket Association weekend to put their side’s season back on track.

Before a ball had been bowled heading into the weekend, the Stars were staring down the barrel of potentially seeing their finals chances diminish prior to Christmas.

That’s when the star duo stepped up.

It started with Moore’s 3-27 and Willach’s 58-run stand in a three-wicket win over Seddon on Saturday.

Willach then led the way against premiership contender St Francis de Sales on Sunday with 97 at top of the order and 2-39.

Moore was no slouch in the support act either with 84 as the pair shared a 171-run partnership to guide their side to an impressive eight-wicket win.

Doutta Stars captain-coach Lorenzo Ingram said he had enjoyed working with the pair since stepping into the role at the start of the season.

“They’re two seasoned professionals who know when it’s their moment to step up,” Ingram said.

“They put their hands up and managed to perform when we needed to win two big games. I thought the boys as a group took the challenge in their stride.

“Neither of the game was easy, the wickets were tricky to play on but I thought we did a fantastic job.

“Hopefully this is now the platform we can use to build on for the rest of the season. We were disappointed with our start but the positive signs are really starting to show now.”

Patrick Willach produced big performances across both days. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The weekend’s results saw Doutta Stars move into fourth position on the ladder, although three other sides — Seddon, St Francis de Sales and Sunshine — all share the same record.

They’ll face second placed Sydenham-Hillside and West Coburg in the remaining games before the Christmas break.

“I’m really enjoying working with this group,” Ingram said.

“There’s a lot of talent at the club coming through the ranks and I’m excited to see it continue developing across the rest of the season.”