VTCA Senior Division: St Albans upset Aberfeldie on the back of Arosh Janoda
St Albans captain-coach Rob Nikolic has sung the praises of Arosh Janoda after he turned match winner in his side’s big VTCA win over Aberfeldie.
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St Albans has shown glimpses of its best all season but a “complete” performance was still on captain-coach Rob Nikolic’s wish list.
But it was finally ticked off against the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Senior Division’s premier team, Aberfeldie on Saturday.
In what Nikolic labelled the “most complete” performance of the season, St Albans upset the ladder leader by 30 runs.
“It was a performance we had been waiting for,” Nikolic said.
“We’ve had games where we’ve batted well and not backed it up with the ball and vice versa.
“But everything went to plan.”
The home side were able to get off to a strong start after being sent into bat with Simon Lambert (59 runs off 75) and Brenton Cook (40 off 67) sharing a 102-run opening stand before the former was dismissed.
Despite a small collapse which saw St Albans lose 3-19 following Lambert’s dismissal Arosh Janoda (43 off 43) steadied the innings to help guide his side to 6-189 from their 40 overs.
“Cook and Lambert got us off to a fantastic start and really dug in,” Nikolic said.
“Aberfeldie didn’t bowl a bad ball and Arosh came in and did a fantastic job to settle us back down.
“We speak about batting deep and not exposing our tail and his innings allowed us to post a competitive score.”
Aberfeldie’s Craig Sheedy (81 off 101) threatened to take the game away from St Albans before Janoda (2-15 off six) picked up the key wicket.
Shanaka Silva (3-18) made major inroads into the visitors’ batting line-up after taking three of the first four wickets.
Despite Sheedy’s valiant effort, Aberfeldie were eventually bowled out for 159.
It’s a result which leaves St Albans a game and a half outside the top four.
“We need to keep winning and hope a few other results go our way,” Nikolic said.
“When we are playing well we are confident enough to beat anyone.”
St Albans will play Craigieburn in its next season.
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