Premier Cricket 2019-20: Kingston- Hawthorn shocks Fitzroy-Doncaster
After being routed by Carlton in the previous round, the Hawks hit back by dropping the strong Lions.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Talk about a turn-up.
Kingston-Hawthorn has endured a rugged season in Premier Cricket, winning only one match and losing heavily in quite a few more.
In Round 10 the Hawks were split apart by reigning premier Carlton, going for 9-297 in the one-dayer and then being flipped over for 55 in 13.1 overs.
It was a performance that again raised concern about their ability to compete in Premier ranks.
On Saturday they were the rankest of outsiders against Fitzroy-Doncaster – and they pulled off the upset of the season.
After holding the Lions to 7-224, they achieved their target six wickets down and with a ball to spare.
Wicketkeeper Joel Lewis cracked 34 not out off 21 balls, with 4 fours, as he and Kaidin Jackson (12no) lifted the visitors over the line.
The pair took the score from 6-197 after Simon Newell was dismissed for 15.
The Hawks shared the load in the run chase.
Clean-hitting opener Visura Fernando hit 37 off 26 balls before being run out, partner Nivin Sathyajith made 28 and, most crucially, No 3 Ramneet Dhindsa scored 61, his fourth half-century of the season.
It came off 91 deliveries and included 5 fours and 1 six.
With the ball, Jaden Christensen nabbed 3-46 off nine overs, Sathyajith took 2-46 off 10 and spinner Prateek Patil kept clamps on the Lions with 2-28 off 10.
Hawks skipper Alex Deuchar (eye infection) withdrew from the team on the morning of the match, leaving Shorye Chopra to lead the side.
Chopra said the Hawks were determined to do well after being routed by Carlton in the previous round.
He said that although the Blues were far too good, Kingston-Hawthorn didn’t compete.
“We obviously had a good discussion after such a big loss, and we spoke to each other about how we wanted to show up,’’ said Chopra, whose century against Greenvale Kangaroos had handed the Hawks their only other win this season.
“Prior to this game (against the Lions) we wanted to show our skills and be consistent and believe in each other.
“We came out with the belief we were good enough to be a good side.
“The team cohesion was another big factor. The team came together really well, worked hard during the week, and on Saturday everyone had a contribution.
“Being a young side we understand we will have off-days. But we want our off-days to be days when we’re still competing, and on our good days we can be winning games.’’
He said the victory set off stirring scenes in the rooms after the match.
“It was incredible,’’ Chopra said. “Everyone was able to chip in for the team.’’