DVCA: Heidelberg’s Justin Whitcher comes out on top against son Kynon

A Heidelberg and Lower Eltham father-son duo had to put their relationship to the test during a crunch DCVA game on Saturday. Here’s what happened.

Saturday couldn’t have gone much better for Heidelberg’s Justin Whitcher.

Not only did the 47-year-old’s side come away with the points against Lower Eltham in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.

He also took home bragging rights against his son Kynon, 21, who was playing in just his second first XI game.

Kynon earned his game after strong form in Lower Eltham’s C Grade side having hit 150 runs and taken 14 wickets for the season.

Meanwhile Justin faced off against the club, where he and family are life members, he departed five seasons ago.

While neither set the world alight, scoring just five runs between them, it was a day they’ll never forget.

Kynon was run out for four from 33 balls after patiently built himself into his innings.

Justin and Kynon Whitcher faced off for the first time on Saturday. Photo: Supplied.

“I was hoping Ky would score a 50 and we would win but it didn’t quite pan out that way,” Justin said.

“I haven’t seen his development up close for about four-and-a-half years because we’re at different clubs apart from the odd hit we have together.

“But it was great to see just how far his game has come, it was unfortunate the way he got out.

“It was an enjoyable day for the both of us.”

Jason and his Heidelberg teammates left Eltham Lower Park the happier of the two sides having prevailed by 17 runs in a match “dominated by the ball”.

Jacob Smith’s 34 at the top of the order for the visitors was the highest score of any player after they set the hosts 131 for victory.

Heidelberg’s Sean Mortell. Picture : George Sal

Callum Gogerly did the damage with the ball finishing with season best figures of 3-15 from nine overs.

“Gogs’ is someone you can always rely on to get the job done — he’s as consistent as they come,” Justin said.

“Our bowlers delivered under pressure as they have a few times this season because our batting has been very up and down.

“They’re a close knit bowling group who still have a lot of improvement in them as well which is really exciting.”

The win helped Heidelberg keep pace with the top four sitting outside the finals positions on percentage.

They’ll face North Eltham next weekend.

Other DVCA results

Macleod 4/121 def. Diamond Creek 7/119

Riverside 9/161 def. Rosanna 130

North Eltham Wanderers 151 def. Banyule 9/135

Epping 5/105 def. Research Eltham Collegians 103

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