VTCA: Matt Gaskett leads Keilor to big win over Deer Park

A young Keilor spinner produced the game of his life to help his side end a run of four straight defeats as a Premier Cricket gun made a guest appearance.

VTCA: Keilor v Haig Fawkner: Nathan Beever of Keilor batting on Saturday, December 4, 2021 in Keilor, Australia Photo: Hamish Blair

Matt Gaskett has officially arrived as one of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s best bowlers.

The Keilor young gun claimed his maiden First XI five-wicket haul on Sunday to lead his side to victory against Deer Park.

The left-arm spinner finished the Senior Division clash with figures of 5-20 as he took his season tally to 14 wickets, just two shy of his record last season.

Gaskett’s breakout game proved pivotal as Keilor ran out 112-run winners after setting Deer Park 206 for victory.

Deer Park was all out for 95 as Miguel Cummins finished with 3-12 as Jhett Gaskett chipped in with 2-33.

Keilor coach Duncan Harrison pinpointed Gaskett’s attitude to his development as one of the reasons for his early season success.

“He’s someone who has come through the club’s junior program and continues to get better every season,” he said.

“Matt works extremely hard on his game and now he’s starting to get some real reward for those efforts which is really pleasing.

“I think his whole season as a whole has been a positive for us so far, the young guys are stepping up and putting their best foot forward.

“He is a real personality around the club and we love having him around.”

Nathan Beever played an important innings for Keilor. Photo: Hamish Blair

Sunday’s win saw Keilor end a run of four straight defeats which continued into the weekend after Harrison’s side fell to Aberfeldie by one-wicket in a tight affair on Saturday.

But they were boosted by a guest appearance from Premier batsman Mitch Jamieson, who plays at Footscray and played his junior cricket at Keilor, who scored 51 runs from 45 balls against Deer Park.

Rob Clements was also in brilliant form with his second half-century of the season as Jarryd Clements finished unbeaten on 48 to guide his side across the line.

“Saturday was frustrating but we took a lot of positives out of it,” Harrison said.

“Against Aberfeldie we stayed in the game for longer than we had in previous weeks but just couldn’t get across the line unfortunately.

“Sunday was more of what we’ve been talking about and how we want to play our cricket. It’s a good chance for us to reset and continue building from here.”

Keilor will next face fourth-placed Yarraville Club.