NMCA 2020-21: Heidelberg West scores Round 1 win over Holy Trinity

After a break of almost 12 months, Heidelberg West’s vice-captain returned with a century as the Hawks started the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield season on a winning note.

Cameron Taylor led Heidelberg West to a first-up victory on Saturday. Picture: Hamish Blair

Brandon Brown produced a match-winning century as Heidelberg West defeated Holy Trinity by 14 runs in the opening round of the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield season on Saturday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat at Hayes Park West, the Hawks put up 5-158 on the back of Brown’s unbeaten 103 at No.3.

The home side reached 144 in reply, leaving Heidelberg West on top of the ladder after Round 1.

Following a relegation reprieve after one-win campaign last season, Heidelberg West captain-coach Cameron Taylor was proud to see the work done during the off-season pay off.

“It was a really good game, a lot of great cricket between two great teams, but I think we were just the better side which is great to see,” Taylor said.

“A lot of hard work was done off-field and the club had faith in me to see it through, so it was good to have it pay dividends a little bit on Saturday and give me a bit of vindication that what I’m doing is right.

“Obviously some things we gotta tweak and there’s some things I would’ve liked to have done better but first game coming off no pre-season, you can’t be upset with the win.”

Vice-captain Brown was superb in his first game back for the Hawks since his knee injury in December last year.

He arrived at the crease at 1-30 following Taylor’s dismissal for 13 and held the innings together with support from Brian Byrne (20).

“He produced a very entertaining hundred against good bowlers, it was one of the better knocks you’ll see,” Taylor said.

“They probably bowled a bit too safe to him and he just punished them with his shots. It was all just power hitting.

“It was really good to see him back out and just batting with freedom, he moved quite well and hopefully he has a big season for us.”

Heidelberg West was also just as damaging with the ball, with recruits Danussika Gamaralalage (3-9) and Vishva Weerakoon (2-32) helping limit Holy Trinity’s scoring ability.

Taylor said the arrivals had already made a positive impact both on and off-field.

“We wanted to find good people to bring to our club in the off-season and they’ve been absolutely awesome, they’re really good people that really want to help you succeed,” he said.

“From a fielding point of view, Danussika was our best player by a mile on Saturday. He really turned the game around for us with his bowling.

“Vishva with the new ball can be quick but he has a lot of tricks up his sleeve, he was especially good in the field where he took a great catch and got a run out.”

While confidence is high, the Hawks’ Round 2 clash with Rivergum looms as a big test for Taylor’s side.

“They’re such a great club and we’ve got nothing but respect for them,” he said.

“Sometimes you do your absolute best and you’re still nowhere near them so, it’s definitely going to come down to some tactical things and just making sure we keep things simple.

“To be in a spot where we could go 2-0 against two teams likely to play finals, it puts us in a really good mindset to take on the rest of the season.”

Rivergum also started the 2020-21 season with a victory, defeating Northern Socials by four wickets, while Keon Park prevailed over Cameron by 19 runs and Preston Baseballers got the points over Cobras, winning by 16 runs.

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