Craigieburn snatches thrilling win to avoid relegation, Druids suffer drop

The VTCA Senior Division relegation battle went down to the very last ball of the season with Craigieburn claiming a stunning upset win to avoid relegation.

Callan Tishler in action for Craigieburn. Picture: Josh Chadwick

The VTCA Senior Division relegation battle went down to the very last ball of the season on Saturday.

Craigieburn pulled off a stunning three-wicket upset win over Westmeadows at Willowbrook Reserve to save its season, jumping out of last place on the final day.

Meanwhile, at Joe Brown Reserve, Druids fell agonisingly short of victory against Keilor – losing with one ball remaining – to seal relegation.

It’s a remarkable escape for the Eagles, winless in their first eight matches before earning an outright win over Sunshine United.

After a gallant 94 not out last week, Callan Tishler posted a second straight half-century, top-scoring with 50 as Craigieburn chased down Westmeadows’ 130 all out with 10 balls to spare.

Arvind Raghunathan in action for Craigieburn. Picture: Josh Chadwick

Coach Nathan Pappin said it was a tense day during and after the match.

“It was a fantastic result in the end, way too close for my liking,” Pappin said.

“Once we finished we all ran off and sat and watched the end of the Keilor and Druids game and cheered Keilor home.

“We were happy with our bowling performance and as we were batting there we were getting updates on the Druids game, so it was a bit nervous.

“Everyone wanted to stay up in Senior Division, so it was a massive tick for us.”

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Craigieburn had Westmeadows in all sorts early, reducing the hosts to 7-65.

Jackson Smith (39) and Pathum de Mel (20) helped turn the tide and give the Warriors a defendable total.

Kane Murfett (3-33), James Portou (3-19) and Chameera Perera (3-28) were the pick of the Eagles’ bowlers.

In response, the visitors started strongly, getting to 2-75 before trouble struck – losing 4-27.

However, Arvind Raghunathan (20) and Manpreet Mahla (nine not out) steadied the ship and finished the job.

“Arvind and Manpreet hit a couple of boundaries to get it back on our terms, we were a little slow with the bat early,” Pappin said.

“We were panicking having 130 to chase but Westy bowled really well, didn’t give us any free balls to hit, so the guys at the end to hit boundaries at the end – under pressure – made a massive difference.”

After spending the majority of the season in the Second XI, Tishler finished in dominant fashion.

“Just like last week against Abers, he batted almost all through the innings and held the innings together,” Pappin said.

“He allowed the guys around him to play more shots and for him to bring that total down with a 50 was invaluable.

“I’ve never felt so bad for a bloke in my life (last week), he was doing all the right things and not focusing on the 100 – knocking back runs to try and get the draw we needed.”

Backing up his batting, de Mel was Westmeadows’ best with the ball, claiming 3-26.

Still in finals contention entering the final round the Warriors needed a win and Aberfeldie loss to jump into the top-four but got neither result.

Pappin said Craigieburn would look to follow the Warriors example next season.

“We get another crack at Senior Division, so hopefully we can bring a few blokes in and have a crack at finals,” he said.

“We’re taking a bit of belief from Westmeadows themselves, who were relegated last year but stayed up with the Haig issue, and were pushing for finals with a similar side.”

Meanwhile, Druids could have saved its season by holding Keilor out after being dismissed for 204.

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However, the Blues got the job done with one ball remaining to break the Wizards’ hearts.

Charith Perera (67) and Charith Mendis (63 and 3-44) impressed for Druids but Malith Cooray (6-36), Rob Clements (86) dragged Keilor over the line.

At the other end of the table, Deer Park finished on top, despite a shock loss to St Albans, and will face Aberfeldie in the semi-finals

Sydenham-Hillside defeated Yarraville Club at Hansen Reserve, snatching home ground advantage for when they face off again in the semi-final.