Vic Super Slam: Northcote’s Daniel Lalor hits last-ball six to sink Geelong
One ball to go. Six runs needed. Teenager Daniel Lalor was ice cool amid the drama as Northcote knocked over Geelong in a memorable Twenty20 match.
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Northcote’s Daniel Lalor crunched a last-ball six to give his team a remarkable win on Sunday as the Vic Super Slam started with a bang.
With the Dragons needing a maximum to secure victory against Geelong in a tense contest, Lalor was ice cool amid the drama at Greenvale Reserve.
The 16-year-old hammered a delivery from left-arm quick Jared Bailey over the mid-wicket boundary before he was mobbed by ecstatic teammates.
Lalor, who is in his first season at Northcote, made an unbeaten 51 from 40 balls to steer his side to 6-161 in response to the Cats’ 3-160.
The No.5 arrived at the crease with the Dragons 3-44 before he combined with skipper Blayde Baker (38) for what proved to be a match-turning 88-run stand.
“He’s a good young player, so we had 100 per cent confidence he was able to do that,” Baker said.
“We were really excited, but it was also a bit tricky because we still had another game to play.
“We enjoyed it for 5-10 minutes and then we had to switch on again and go again.”
While the second match against Greenvale Kangaroos was ultimately abandoned early in Northcote’s innings because of rain, the club’s youngsters gained plenty from the thrilling Twenty20 win.
Teenagers Jagadeswara Koduru and Billy Cootee — who are both aged 17 — were also at the wicket during the nail-biting conclusion.
“It’s a good opportunity,” Baker said.
“Playing the red-ball cricket on the Saturday, a few blokes were sore and a few spots were available.
“There were all at the crease in the last over when the game was on, so that’s just invaluable for those boys.”
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Lalor has made four appearances for Northcote’s Second XI in 2019-20, returning scores of two, 45, 28 and nine while also collecting four wickets.
“He’s at that age now that now he can hopefully become a good player for us and maybe more further down the track,” Baker said.
The Dragons posted 182 on day one of their Premier Cricket clash with Melbourne on Saturday, led by Josh Sundberg (43) and Mark Phelan (37).
The Demons were 3-65 at stumps, with Sam Harbinson grabbing 2-33.
“We’re probably just behind the eight-ball,” Baker said.
“But there’s a little bit there for the bowlers, so if we can get an early breakthrough it’s game on.”