Bolter, big guns to represent VTCA against DDCA in pre-Christmas clash

A bolter from Division 2 will line-up against some of the biggest names in the VTCA in the second representative game against the DDCA. See the full team here.

Sam Crea in action for Grand United. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Two of Melbourne’s biggest suburban cricket competitions will renew hostilities in a pre-Christmas clash.

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association will host the Dandenong District Cricket Association on Saturday, December 23 at Hansen Reserve.

The match is the sequel to February’s successful representative debut, which saw the VTCA claim a 19-run win at Hallam.

The VTCA has selected a bolter from the third tier of the competition.

Grand United’s Sam Crea, the leading wicket-taker in Division 2, will step up to play alongside some of the biggest names in the association.

Sam Crea in action for Grand United. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Paxino Medallist, Keilor’s Matthew Gaskett, in action for the VTCA. Picture: Andy Brownbill

After four matches Crea currently has 15 wickets at an average of 5.6, with a best of 8-24 against Williamstown CYMS.

The 15 scalps are the equal most in the top three grades, alongside St Albans’ Akila Isanka.

Meanwhile, three VTCA players will look to make it back-to-back wins with captain Mitch Johnstone, Donovan Pell and Matthew Gaskett chosen for a second time.

Gaskett is the reigning Senior Division Paxino Medallist and has nine wickets this season as one of the VTCA’s leading spinners.

Johnstone has the third most wickets this season, 11 at an average of 19.73.

Former Melbourne and Essendon Premier Cricket star Michael Hill headlines a host of big name run-scorers.

Hill has the third most runs in Senior Division this season, 201 at an average of 50.25, while the likes of Deer Park’s Hashan Wanasekera, Sydenham-Hillside’s Ishan Peiris and Tallan Wright of Aberfeldie are also having strong seasons.

Johnstone said it would be a terrific showcase of talent from both competitions.

“We’ve got a good side, lots of leg-handers.

“The pitch is looking pretty good, the rain impacted a lot of grounds but I think we’re in a better position than a lot of clubs so I’m sure it will be a belter come Saturday week.

“We had Mick Andriadis as coach and selector and Zoran Havranek as chairman of selectors and three of the umpires submitted their teams.

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“We tried to honour the Team of the Year from last year in Senior Division and then where guys have withdrawn due to availability – obviously it’s just before Christmas – we’ve topped up.

“We made inquiries with the likes of Dean Russ and Daniel Sartori but they weren’t available, so we had a couple of challenges but we’re still really confident in the team we’re putting out there.

“It will be a really good showcase for our competition and the same for Dandenong, we beat them out there last season so I’m sure they’ll be keen to reverse the result.”

Long-time VTCA umpire Ray Butterfield will officiate the match after being selected by the umpire’s association.

Victorian Turf Cricket Association v Dandenong District Cricket Association

Saturday, December 23 at Hansen Reserve, West Footscray

1. Hashan Wanasekera (Deer Park)

2. Ishan Peiris (Sydenham Hillside)

3. Donovan Pell (Westmeadows)

4. Michael Hill (Yarraville Club)

5. Cam West (Aberfeldie)

6. Tallan Wright (Aberfeldie)

7. Dylan Knight (Sydenham-Hillside) (WK)

8. Mitch Johnstone (Yarraville Club) (C)

9. Matthew Gaskett (Keilor)

10. Ashley Sweet (Yarraville Club)

11. Sam Crea (Grand United)

12. Jackson Martin (Yarraville Club)