SECA: Cheltenham Park’s Zach Rattray blitzes 120 not out off 42 balls

Big-hitting Zach Rattray has been at it again, tearing into the bowling in the South East Cricket Association’s Quiney Shield.

Zach Rattray after his latest star turn with the bat for Cheltenham Park.

Suburban batsman Zach Rattray has started the season with the sort of bang that brought him hundreds of runs and a few headlines in 2020-21.

Playing for Cheltenham Park in the South East Cricket Association’s Quiney Shield, Rattray pasted the Bentleigh Uniting bowlers to all parts of the ground in an innings of 120 not out.

It came off only 42 balls and included 12 sixes and 10 fours.

Chasing Uniting’s 146, Cheltenham Park raced to 0-151 in only 14.3 overs.

Rattray’s opening partner, Lucas Haig, hit 29 not out off 45 balls.

Uniting had a centurymaker of its own in Harry Zaia, who dominated the innings and cracked 102 not out off 112 deliveries, with 6 sixes and 6 fours.

But Rattray, 21, put on a boundary-packed show at the Cheltenham Park ground.

“I hit ‘em well. It was a very good feeling, good fun,’’ the apprentice electrician said.

“If I see it, I hit. See ball, hit ball sort of thing.

“From square leg to mid-on, that arc, that’s where I hit most of them. I try to hit through them as hard as I can. Hopefully things can continue.’’

Rattray said the Bentleigh Uniting players were generous in their praise of his innings.

“They all said it was good to watch towards the end,’’ he said.

“They said they’d seen what I did last year and were hoping I didn’t do it to them.

“They said as much as it annoyed them it was very good to watch.’’

Last season in D grade Rattray smoked 893 runs at 74.4, including 208 off 72 balls against Melbourne Dazzlers and 229 off 65 balls against East Oakleigh, piling up 29 sixes.

He also cracked 121 off 47 deliveries against Mackie.

Cheltenham Park has been promoted this season after winning the 2020-21 grand final.

Zach Rattrayhit 12 sixes in his innings.

The highest score of the round came from ace East Sandringham opener Matt Harris, who crafted 122 not out against Elwood in Longmuir Shield. The stylish right-hander put away 16 fours and 1 six as he team put up 5-243.

But the Wood chased down the target, reaching 5-244.

It left East Sandy, the competition’s perennial power, on the bottom of the ladder at 0-3.

Meanwhile, Le Page Park had to cancel all its senior matches after a Covid case at the club.

The club said last Friday that a player who was at Le Page Park Wednesday and Thursday had tested positive using a rapid testing kit and it was awaiting further results.

“In consultation with SECA it has been decided that all senior games tomorrow will be cancelled.

“Junior games can continue however there will be no access to the clubrooms or canteen.’’

Le Page was to play Kingston Heath in Longmuir Shield.