DVCA: Riverside’s Andrew Villani has career day against Epping
The brother of an Australian cricketing star has put together a career best performance as his side moved to the top of the DVCA ladder.
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Andrew Villani is better known in Diamond Valley Cricket Association circles for his strike bowling.
On Saturday, he turned into a star all-rounder to help guide Riverside to the top of the ladder after a four-run win over fellow finals contender Epping.
Villani was dismissed for a career DVCA high 52 after he was sent out to open with Sean Money with the pair sharing a 77-run partnership.
He had set a previous best of 47* in B Grade in the opening round of the season.
Riverside went onto score 8-159 from its 45 overs with Money the next best run scorer on 29.
The brother of Australian women’s cricketer Elyse then snared season best figures of 3-35 to help dismiss Epping for 155.
Dayne Smith was the pick of the bowlers for Riverside with 3-23 from nine overs while Todd Hughes was Epping’s top scorer with 33.
Throughout his career, Villani has predominantly batted in the lower order coming in from eight down on 24 occasions.
His innings on Saturday was just the sixth time he has opened.
Rosanna was able to ride the momentum of a half century from Sam Sheehan to record a 25-run against Banyule.
Sheehan’s 50-run stand helped guide his side to 8-171 from its 45 overs.
Nick Carlton was a key player with the ball for Rosanna finishing with 4-30.
Heidelberg prevailed in a thriller against North Eltham Wanderers by six runs.
The home side came out on top after taking the last four wickets for 12 runs.
Andrew Fotinopoulos was the pick of the bowlers with 2-25.
Macleod survived a middle order collapse to overcome Lower Eltham who were all out for 106.
The visitors lost 4-11 in its run chase after openers Shaun Lumsden (29 not out) and Tim Wise (26) put on a 42-run opening stand.
Diamond Creek (8-202) was again on the winners’ list on the back of wicketkeeper Thomas McLean’s 79 runs before he was run out against Research Eltham Collegians.
Jay Watson finished with 3-23 from five overs to help guide his side across the line who dismissed Collegians for 172.
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