Airport West St Christopher’s survives VTCA thriller against PEGS

Airport West St Christopher’s captain Jordan Kelly admits his team almost let a win slip against PEGS but was happy with how his four off-season additions performed in the season opener.

Jordon Kelly in action for Airport West St Christopher’s. Picture: David Crosling

Airport West St Christophers captain Jordan Kelly couldn’t have asked for a better start to the VTCA Division 1 campaign.

The Eagles’ big-name off-season recruits all made valuable contributions in the thrilling eight-run win over PEGS at Etzel St Reserve on Saturday.

The club made a splash during the off-season, securing former Premier Cricket all-rounder Daniel Salpietro, Gisborne premiership pair Riley Vernon and Luke Macumber and Subbies premiership-winning wicketkeeper Adam Johnstone from Woodend.

Kelly was pleased with how the team gelled with several new faces but knew expectations were high.

Adam Johnstone during his time at Woodend. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“It’s a great start to the year after a delayed start, so couldn’t have expected anything better,” he said.

“I think the bar is set pretty high with the guys that we’ve brought in and the guys we’ve hung on to.

“Having Dan, another leader next to myself helping me through the game, along with Adam Johnston behind the stumps and having Luke Macumber back as well helps quite a bit.”

Vernon top-scored with 66 and shared a critical 76-run stand with Johnstone (26) to ensure Airport West St Christopher’s posted a defendable total of 9-175 in its 40 overs.

The No.3 batsman played in the Northern Territory over the winter and showed strong form in the GDCA’s Regional Series with Woodend before arriving at the Eagles.

“I think he scored a 90 and 45, so he’s in good form, and he’s brought it to turf,” Kelly said.

“Riley put on 75 with Adam in the middle overs, which really set us up. We were looking at 150 at one stage, so to get 175 was outstanding.”

Zach Thomson claimed 4-41 to be the best of the bowlers for PEGS.

PEGS’ chase got off to a horror start, collapsing to 6-53, before Sam Ainsworth (50), Adam Reidy-Crofts (36no) and Mitchell Foley (15) rebuild the innings.

However, a pair of costly run outs ended any hopes of PEGS snatching the win.

Kelly admitted his team let the visitors back into the game but was proud of his team’s response.

“I felt we were in control most of the day but we had a five-over lapse were we almost let it slip,” he said.

“That’s when it got tight, we gave up 22 off one over, and that put them back in it but we were able to take control again pretty quickly.”

Dinesh Cooray (2-20) and Matt Sipala (2-27) were the pick of the bowlers for Airport West St Christopher’s.

Elsewhere, there were wins for Tullamarine (3-100) over West Coburg, Deer Park (2-145) over St Francis de Sales (8-144) and Seddon (6-103) over Altona Roosters.

Sunshine (6-81) skittled last season’s grand finalist Glenroy (77) and Craigieburn (2-66) humbled Spotswood (65).