Check out all the major VSDCA North-West talking points and our Team of the Week

Subbies North-West wrap: Williamstown skipper Sean Sturrock leads the from the front, Kew flashes flag credentials and we name our Team of the Week.

A LAST STAND TO REMEMBER

Sean Sturrock and Mitch Ferrie might be talking about their partnership for the rest of the season. Coming together at 9-110, still trailing by 69 runs, the Williamstown pair produced a stunning last-wicket partnership to snatch a thriller against Melton. Captain-coach Sturrock finished unbeaten on 37 while Ferrie was on 41.

David Wildsmith in action for Kew. Picture: Andy Brownbill

ARE KEW THE REAL DEAL?

After a mass exodus at the end of last season Kew played down its semi-finals hopes but have we been conned? The north group power was at its best in the Round 2 two-dayer. A superb 94 from skipper David Wildsmith, 70 from Jack Carroll, 49 from import Sam Pearce and key contributions from Jack Carroll (38) and James Clark (33) saw the club post 332 after being sent in by Strathmore at Canning Reserve. The Mores were then skittled for just 97 and were 3-48 when stumps was declared on Saturday. Leggie Pearce (3-13) and opening bowler Russ Suri (3-30) tore through the home team, while Michael Letson finished with four wickets across the two digs with 2-18 and 2-11. Kew got the chocolates with an eight-run win over Hoppers Crossing in Round 1 and now face premiership contender St Bernard’s in a one-dayer on Saturday.

TIME TO TAKE NOTICE OF TAYLORS LAKES

Taylors Lakes underwent significant changes in the off-season and the statement victory over Plenty Valley has proven they’ve arrived. Fast bowler and Welsh import Adam Sylvester is already causing plenty of headaches for opposition batters, with 12 wickets in two games, while Steffan Roberts appears to be a classy top order bat. In total, they have six new faces in the First XI and early signs point towards a push towards the top six.

Chris Spinella in action for St Bernard's. Picture: Andy Brownbill

SNOWDOGS RESCUE MISSION

St Bernard’s were in all sorts of trouble early against Ivanhoe, falling to 1-0, 2-8 and 3-30 before Chris Spinella and Nish Perera come together in the middle of Ivanhoe Park. The pair put on a 101-run stand to rebuild the Snowdogs’ innings before Spinella fell for 60. Perera was out shortly after for 69 himself. Daniel O’Connell (28) was the only other teammate to break double figures. St Bernard’s posted 205 and it proved enough as skipper Kyle Adams (3-27) and Aaron Smillie (3-35) ran through the home team to deliver a 70-run first innings win. Julian Pollard (3-22) and Mark Donegan (69 not out) were Ivanhoe’s best.

BURTON SHINING

Jonathan Burton was in superb form against Altona, ripping through Altona’s middle order to claim 5-59 and guide his side to a thrilling 10-run win. Werribee’s bowling stocks received a boost with the arrival of Matthew Grose in the off-season and all signs point towards another big season from the Tigers.

Jonathon Burton in action for Werribee. Picture: Andy Brownbill

HILL RUNNING HOT

He’s already scored the eighth most runs in Premier Cricket and now Simon Hill has made an impressive start to the Subbies season. Elevated to Brunswick captain, the run-machine has back-to-back half centuries in the opening two rounds. After a 63 opening the batting in Round 1 Hill scored 54 on day one of the two-day Round 2 match against Preston. He put on an 87-run stand together with Ben Moss (44) to lift the Wicks to 262 before Jack Moss led the way with the ball, snaring 3-34. After a promising start Preston were dismissed for 160 with Greg Maratos (47) the top-scorer.

CAPTAIN-COACH COMBO THRIVES FOR YARRAVILLE

Josh Hahnel is already making his presence felt in his return to Werribee. He posted a brilliant 86 before being run out in his side’s big win over Coburg. Then came coach Jonah Koch’s performance with the ball as he finished with 6-44. Yarraville posted 9-255 on day one before bowling Coburg out for 186.

VSDCA NORTH-WEST GROUP TEAM OF THE WEEK

1. Josh Hahnel (Yarraville) – 86

2. Connor Brown (Altona) – 90

3. David Wildsmith (Kew) – 94

4. Nish Perera (St Bernard’s) – 69 & 2-35

5. Sanka Abeyruwan (Hoppers Crossing) – 95 & 1-34

6. Adam Sylvester (Taylors Lakes) – 27no & 9- match figures

7. Harry McAleer (Yarraville) (WK) – 58 runs

8. Jonathan Burton (Werribee) – 71no & 5-59

9. Sean Sturrock (Williamstown) – 37no & 4-56

10. Ameya Gharat (Preston) – 5-53

11. Mitch Ferrie (Williamstown) – 41no & 1-30

12. Sam Pearce (Kew) 49 & 2-13