Brunswick stage stunning VSDCA comeback to edge St Bernard’s

When Brunswick lost it’s openers without a run on the board the game looked lost before an epic comeback sealed victory over VSDCA rivals St Bernard’s.

Liam Murphy in action for Brunswick. Picture: Julian Smith

Brunswick staged one of the great VSDCA comebacks on Saturday to stun St Bernard’s.

Chasing 141, the Wicks found themselves two wickets down without a run on the board as Snowdogs quicks Aaron Smillie and Luke Davis came out breathing fire at Murphy Oval.

Clint McKay fell at 3-11 but just 24 overs later it was the visitors who emerged victorious, claiming an epic six-wicket win.

Connor Ridge was the hero, scoring an unbeaten 50, as he and skipper Liam Murphy (23) and Dave Bonavia (35 not out) first steadied the ship and then raced home.

“Aaron and Luke are serious bowlers and with the white ball moving early there’s always a chance they can cut through the top,” Murphy said.

Liam Murphy in action for Brunswick. Picture: Julian Smith

Aaron Smillie in action for St Bernard's. Picture: Julian Smith

“The skill of those two with the new ball is always going to make it challenging but credit to our guys that we were able to dig in.

“Even though we lost those wickets early we were able to keep momentum, Connor batted exceptionally well and then Dave came in and was able to accelerate.

“We had a short rain delay and the guys were able to go back out, have a couple of big overs, and put the game on ice.”

Saturday’s rain reduced Brunswick’s target to 131 off 35 overs and it got home with seven overs to spare.

Smillie finished with elite figures of 1-8 off his five overs, while Davis claimed 2-39.

“We were able to get through Smillie and he only took one wicket, we didn’t do that against Plenty (last week) and Nankervis took four against us,” Murphy said.

David Bonavia in action for Brunswick. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“We were able to absorb their strike bowler and limited his impact and because we had batting to come we were able to accelerate with some big partnerships.”

Earlier, the Wicks’ vaunted attack kept St Bernard’s to a manageable total.

McKay (3-23), Leigh Brennan (3-32) and Louis Cameron (2-25) revelled in the conditions.

Conor McGuire was St Bernard’s top scorer with 38, while Luke Marinelli added 28.

After being unable to contain Plenty Valley last week, Murphy was pleased with his bowler’s response.

“Our bowlers were to keep the pressure on and create enough chances to take 10 wickets, which I was really pleased with because it was something we weren’t able to do against Plenty,” he said.

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“If you look at the sample size we’ve had, we’ve taken 10 wickets in two games and limited two opponents to less than 150.

“We’re of a vintage that may have us moving a little slower in the field than what we’d like but we’ve been as good as we’ve been in my time at the club and that helps a lot.

“Plenty Valley was just one game at we couldn’t quite get it right but in general I’m really happy with our bowling unit.”

Brunswick tackle Ivanhoe at AG Gillion Oval next week, while St Bernard’s will look to bounce back at Preston.