Brett Forsyth hits 18th century in Victorian Premier Cricket

The Dandenong champion steered Dandenong to a vital victory over Footscray with his hand of 124 not out.

Eighteen centuries: Dandenong opener Brett Forsyth.

It was Brett Forsyth’s day.

He’s had a few of them in his long and run-filled career in Premier Cricket.

It was Dandenong’s day too, after successive losses since the Christmas break to opponents below them on the ladder.

Forsyth crafted his 18th century for the Panthers, 124 not out, as they overhauled Footscray’s 8-236 at the Mervyn Hughes Oval on Saturday.

The right-hander faced 144 deliveries, put away 12 fours and shared a 131-run partnership with his brother Cameron as the visitors answered with 3-237 in a perfectly-paced chase.

Cameron hit 59 off 80 balls, with three boundaries, in a third-wicket partnership that began at 2-81, captain Tom Donnell (25) and Comrey Edgeworth (8) the dismissed batsmen.

Panthers coach Warren Ayres said Forsyth’s innings came when the team needed it.

“Exceptional,’’ he said.

“It was a good wicket … with 236, they probably thought they were 20 short … and ‘Forsy’ played a great knock to take us there and we had a good day at the office, really.

“We did need it in terms of where we want to be at the end of the season. We probably needed a performance where our batsmen stood up and did well. And they were terrific, led by ‘Forsy’. He’s one of the premier players of the competition.’’

Partnership: Cameron Forsyth.

Ayres was chuffed with the return of paceman Adam McMaster, who captured the early wickets of Dean Russ and Travis Dean and went on to a return of 4-36 off eight overs.

It was his first match for Dandenong in three years.

“I was pleased for Adam and I was pleased with the bowlers as a group,’’ he said.

“I thought we bowled 47 overs where we wanted to, so had three bad overs out of the 50. We hit good lengths and lines.

“Adam’s a wicket-taker, bowls outswing at a good pace, and if you do that you’re always a chance. Those early wickets of his got us into the game.’’

Cameron Forsyth, McMaster and all-rounder Dasun Opanayaka were brought up from the Second XI, Forsyth to replace injured batsman LJ Edwards.

Opanayaka was handy with 2-34 off nine overs.

Brett Forsyth’s ton answered the maiden century of Footscray youngster Dylan Brasher, who hit 104 off 137 balls.

Ayres said Brasher was a fine prospect.

“I like him. He’s got a future down the track. I like the way he set up the innings for them. He’s a bit of a front-foot player … if he wants to go to the next level he will need to develop his game off the back foot, but he looks like a genuine batsman to me.’’

The Panthers, seventh on the ladder, visit Camberwell Magpies on Tuesday and will be strengthened by the return of Test man James Pattinson, who is expected to be available for the next three matches.

* Mitch Forsyth, brother of Brett and Cameron, was in the runs too on Saturday, hitting 54 off 52 balls as the Dandenong Third XI (9-233) tied with Footscray (8-233).