Coburg recruit stars in thrilling upset win over St Bernard’s
Coburg’s big signing has made an instant impact as the Lions claimed a thrilling win over St Bernard’s. Plus, see who starred in Brunswick’s win over Preston.
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Coburg’s big-name off-season recruit has delivered straight away.
Fletcher Stewart scored an impressive half-century as the Lions upset last seasons’s VSDCA finalist St Bernard’s by four wickets at Coburg City Oval on Saturday.
Chasing down the Snowdogs’5-192, Fletcher knocked in the winning runs with five balls to spare, finishing 83 not out off just 79 balls.
Arriving at the crease at 2-22, Fletcher steered Coburg home with five fours and a pair of sixes and critical partnerships with Shane Lee (23) and Jack Sheppard (24).
Lions captain-coach Aaron Shellie was rapt for his star addition.
“It’s always good when you get someone down and they do the job for you first go,” he said.
“He’s a ripper and I knew he had it in him, I’ve been chasing him since I knew I was coming back to Coburg.
“He was absolutely knackered, he’s had a good COVID, so it was good to see him out there for a while.
“I know what quality he can bring to the group and when we get him bowling again he’ll be a massive asset for us.
“He’s not 100 per cent confident, he hasn’t bowled on turf for about four years. Being a leg-spinner it’s not easy to switch back on.”
St Bernard’s got off to a strong start, reaching 1-97 before Tim Grant (45) fell, but couldn’t accelerate in the later overs.
Chris Spinella top-scored for the visitors with an unbeaten 64, while Jack Sheppard (2-30) was the pick of the Coburg bowlers.
After finishing with the wooden spoon last season, the result is a massive boost to Coburg’s confidence.
Shellie was adamant the club had plenty of quality that could match the best in this season’s North-West conference.
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“We think (St Bernard’s) are going to be a really strong side and they didn’t disappoint, so I’m hoping it's a wake-up for the boys that we’re good enough,” he said.
“Our batting group was probably our weak point last season but getting another year together, playing more games together has been really important.
“Getting another year into Richo (Liam Richardson), he might have only got a dozen, but he just looks a different cricketer and I think he’s going to have a big year. Shane Lee is another, he’s ready for a big year.”
Coburg will look to keep its form going when it hosts Taylors Lakes on Saturday, while St Bernard’s will look to bounce back against Hoppers Crossing.
PRESTON v BRUNSWICK
A quick-fire 42 not out from Clint McKay saw Brunswick cruise to victory against Preston on Saturday.
McKay’s blistering 29-ball knock included three fours and three sixes as the Wicks chased down 126 with eight wickets in hand at Preston City Oval.
Earlier, it was Jack Moss who did the damage with the ball.
His 3-6 tore through the Preston tailend while David McKay and Louis Cameron claimed 2-29 and 2-19 respectively.
Preston recruit Thimera Jayasinghe was the Bullants’ top-scorer with 37 at the top of the order, while Daniel Daddona (1-32) claimed the only wicket.
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