Aberfeldie claims its maiden VTCA Senior Division victory, upsetting Druids

Aberfeldie is on the board in 2020-21, after upsetting Druids to claim a maiden VTCA Senior Division, thanks to big performances from coach and captain.

Josh Docking in action for Aberfeldie. Picture: Julian Smith

Aberfeldie claimed a major scalp and its maiden VTCA Senior Division victory on Saturday.

Winless in the opening four rounds, Abers produced their best all-round performance to stun last year’s semi-finalist Druids by seven runs at Shorten Reserve.

Captain Craig Sheedy said the club had been improving every week and the result was a big reward heading into the Christmas break.

“We spoke about how we were improving each week but just hadn’t been able to get over the line,” he said.

“Last week we got ourselves into a really good position but weren’t able to finish off, so to hang in yesterday was really good.

Kieren Gray in action for Aberfeldie. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Now we get a little bit of a rest but we need to make sure the first game back we’re on job straight away and playing good cricket again.”

Coach Kieran Gray was the hero with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 77, combining with Tom Godsell (49) for a 76-run stand that set up the visitors’ 6-201.

Sheedy then took charge with the ball, claiming 4-26, including the critical wicket of Druids captain Michael Hay (82 off 86 balls) as he threatened to take the game away.

Druids needed 12 from the last over but Josh Docking held firm and collected two wickets to dismiss the hosts for 194.

“It was pleasing to win that way, playing some tough cricket, we fought all the way and didn’t let it go,” Sheedy said.

“(Hay) was lucky, he got dropped when he was not many – under 10 I think – so it was a bit of a relief (to get his wicket).

“They were in the box seat with him going well, that wicket changed the game, and we picked up a couple of wickets in the last over to finish it off.”

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It was a torrid start to life in Senior Division for Aberfeldie, who are playing without a home ground this season, suffering a 137-run loss to Sunshine United and 56-run defeat to Yarraville Club.

There were signs of improvement in a four-wicket loss to Haig Fawkner before falling just 20 runs short of an upset win over Doutta Stars.

The victory over Druids lifts Aberfeldie off the bottom of the ladder with only Keilor left winless after five rounds.

The Blues will host Aberfeldie in the first game in the new year, January 9, in a crucial relegation battle.