Check out all the major talking points from VSDCA North-West group Round 3

There were plenty of highlights in the VSDCA North-West this weekend with a nail-biting finish, a super century and bundles of wickets.

The VSDCA North-West group provided a number of highlights this weekend.

There were nail-biting finishes, fine centuries and a more than a few bundles of wickets.

Check out all the major talking points from Round 3 below.

ANY NAILS LEFT AT PLENTY VALLEY?

The Bats will say they timed the chase to perfection but there might be a few players with fingernails chewed to the quick after Saturday’s thrilling three-wicket win over Werribee. Tanmay Arora (7 not out) and Earl Dicesare (1 not out) were the heroes, guiding their team across the line with just two balls to spare at Chirnside Park. Nathan Taylor (72 not out) and James Freeman (44) had helped the Tigers set 9-183 as Troy Haynes took 3-25. The Bats started strongly as Javid Bolim (82) and Tobias Raper (15) put on a 54-run opening stand. Luke Powell (20) and Liam Mallia (27) also made handy contributions. The game was in the balance when Valley skipper Simon Black – in his 100th senior game for the club – fell at 6-170 but Arora and Dicesare held their nerve. The win ends Werribee’s undefeated start to the campaign and sees Plenty Valley jump to seventh.

HAHNEL FIRES, AGAIN

The return of Josh Hahnel to Yarraville is already looking like one of the moves of the season. The Eagles skipper posted an unbeaten 109 runs from 131 balls to help guide his side to a big win over Brunswick. It followed on from a half-century a week earlier while he posted 47 runs in the opening round. Jack Brown recorded a half-century of his own.

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LION KING BACK IN FORM

After scores of four and two in his first two digs, it was only a matter of time before Coburg skipper Aaron Shellie found his rhythm. Unfortunately for Taylors Lakes that time was Saturday. Shellie plundered 123 runs, hitting 16 boundaries and four sixes, in a whirlwind knock. Together with usual partner in crime Aaron Ayre (64) and opening partner Cameron D’Cruz (29), Shellie helped the Lions post a daunting 9-270. Buddima Wijesundera (2-22) was the Lakes’ best with the ball. Taylors Lakes made a good fist of the chase while Steffan Roberts (70) and Luke Denny (40) were at the crease but it wasn’t able to maintain the rage. Trent Waring (33 not out) added late runs but his side was dismissed for 221. Akshpreet Singh took 3-38 for Coburg.

WILLY RECRUIT MAKES AN IMPRESSION

Zac Thorne looks set to be a handy recruit for Williamstown this season. The former Coburg skipper claimed 4-39 in his side’s loss to Preston in what was his second game for the club. He also added 40 runs in a sign of his all-round ability.

Zac Thorne in action for South Barwon. Picture: Peter Ristevski

KEW REMAIN PERFECT

We mentioned last week that Kew were maybe better than they were letting on and now we definitely know they are after taking four points on the road against St Bernard’s. Captain David Wildsmith continued his outstanding campaign with a top-score 83, while James Clark added 39 and Jack Carroll 28 not out as the Blues posted 7-187. Aaron Smillie snared 4-33. In reply, the Snowdogs couldn’t piece together the partnerships needed to chase down victory. Nish Perera (44), Jevon Kett (34), Rory Collins (17) and Daniel O’Connell (16) all made starts but couldn’t go on with it. Kyle Adams (23 not out) and Smillie (22) launched a late fightback but St Bernard’s finished 9-175 from their 45 overs. Kew’s other Jack Carroll claimed 4-24 with the ball.

HOPPERS CROSSING’S SLOW START

Hoppers Crossing captain-coach Simon Lambert will be desperate to see more from his batters in the coming weeks after the Cats fell to a third straight loss to start the season. To date, they haven’t posted a score beyond 200 and were rolled for just 135 in a 39-run loss to Altona on Saturday. Justin Goegan’s 25 not out was the best score.

Preston captain Kyle Walsh. Picture: Valeriu Campan

BULLANTS BITE BACK

After a 102-run loss to Brunswick last week, Preston bounced back with a 20-run win over Williamstown on Saturday at Preston City Oval. Recruit Shakeel Ahmad hit 66 at the top of the order and some handy runs from Greg Maratos (26) and skipper Kyle Walsh (25 not out), the Bullants posted 7-195 after winning the toss. Zac Thorne claimed 4-39. Walsh then took his batting form into his bowling, removing Fraser Hay for six in the third over of the innings. Wickets continued to tumble as Williamstown struggled to build momentum until Jarroad Bauce (41) and Thorne (40) came together. Ameya Gharat finished with 3-22 to lead Preston’s attack.

IVANHOE BREAKS DROUGHT

A first Subbies win in nearly 12 months and the first at home in 1008 days. Ivanhoe’s commanding four-wicket win over Melton at Ivanhoe Park on Saturday was special for a variety of reasons. The Saints’ young talent led from the front, while Irish import Mark Donegan continued his strong early-season form, as they chased down 128 in just 25.4 overs. A pair of 15-year-olds – paceman Julian Pollard (0-19) and No.3 Thisura Sooriyaaratchi (30) – were critical, while Donegan hit a match-high 46 off 47 balls. Young quick Ed Withington finished with 4-29 and Jonathan Kuch took 3-16.