VSDCA 2018-19: Plenty Valley ousts Brunswick to make grand final

Plenty Valley has launched in to the VSDCA North-East group decider on the back of a superb all-round display by Ryan Pearson.

Ryan Pearson made 98 and took 6-42 for Plenty Valley.

Plenty Valley has launched in to the VSDCA North-East group decider on the back of a superb all-round display by Ryan Pearson.

The opening batsman made 98 on Saturday, before recording a career-best 6-42 to dismantle Brunswick as the Bats romped to a 102-run victory on Sunday.

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The win marked a terrific response from the semi-final loss to Mt Waverley and set up a grand final appointment with Noble Park.

Pearson said it was an “awesome” feeling after the win.

“There was a really good feeling in the rooms and we are really confident going down to Noble Park next week after we played well there last time,” he said.

Ryan Pearson narrowly avoids being run out early in his innings.

Pearson said he hadn’t produced a better game in his career.

“I just wanted to bat as much time as possible and let Cal (Callum Nankervis) do the damage,” he said.

“And I’ve never bowled and been as lucky with that.

“We tried to dry things up with spin and medium-pacers because it started turning a lot (on Saturday).

“There were a couple of big patches outside off stump and it fell my way and got a few wickets, but it could have been anyone.”

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Plenty Valley lost captain James Dickinson (2) and Justin Di Battista (0) early, with Pearson and Daniel Heatley (41) left to steady the innings.

Heatley lasted close to three hours at the crease as the duo put on 115 runs for the third wicket, and he was replaced by an aggressive Callum Nankervis.

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Callum Nankervis of Plenty Valley drives during the VSDCA cricket match between Brunswick and Plenty Valley.

he all-rounder blasted two sixes and six boundaries as he rattled to 71 off just 61 deliveries, while Pearson struck 11 boundaries and one six as he fell two runs short of his third century of the season.

“Cal came in and … really shifted the momentum. He batted really well,” Pearson said.

Sitting at 4-217, a Daykin (5-46) inspired attack saw the Bats crumble.

Plenty Valley lost 4-0 in six balls at one stage to be bowled out for 237.

Paceman Simon Black (3-49) set the tone with his aggression on day two, with Bunswick mustering only 135.

Sean Ayres, who has not played since January due to a knee problem, remains a chance to return for the decider.

Noble Park advanced after Kal Iipulli Arachige (7-45) spun his team to a nine-wicket victory after Mt Waverley was bowled out for 117 on the opening day.