Doutta Stars give Senior Division premier St Albans a wake-up call

Doutta Stars made the perfect start to the VTCA Senior Division season, topping premier St Albans, thanks to a blistering knock from star all-rounder Brenton Parchment.

Brenton Parchment walks off after making a century. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Brenton Parchment took out a winter of frustration on reigning VTCA Senior Division premier St Albans on Saturday, smashing a match-winning century.

The star all-rounder was unable to return home to Jamaica or continue his head coaching role of Dutch champions Excelsior due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, having endured Melbourne’s lockdown and a shortened pre-season he was at his blistering best in the season opener at Buckley Park.

Parchment clubbed the Saints’ bowling attack for six boundaries and six maximums in a score of 102.

Late hitting from Pat Willach (39) and Brendan Ward (23) saw the Stars post 5-213 in their 40 overs.

Pat Willach hits a six for Doutta Stars. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“It was good to get some runs but the win was the most important thing,” Parchment said.

“I think it will be added motivation for us, we can use this as a blueprint for the rest of the season.”

Arosh Janoda (2-29) and Simon Lambert (2-27) were St Alban’s best bowlers.

After his batting heroics, Parchment then claimed the key wicket of run-machine Lambert, giving him an extraordinary send off as his teammates ran in to celebrate.

“It was an important early wicket for us,” he said.

“I was trying to send a message and give my team a boost in confidence.”

Saints captain-coach Brenton Cook was out for 10 soon after and the reigning premier was teetering at 2-32.

VTCA: SENIOR DIVISION CLUB-BY-CLUB GUIDE

LEADER: GET YOUR LOCAL CRICKET NEWS HERE

VSDCA: HAHNEL HITS TON IN YARRAVILLE WIN

Thilina Masmulla (34), Shanaka Silva (32) and Geeth Alwis (31) steadied the ship and rebuilt the innings but when Silva fell at 7-154 it was game over and St Albans were all out 179.

In his first game for Doutta Stars in more than a decade former First XI captain and club champion Robert Rutley was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2-28.

Captain-coach Hamish Moore and Harrison Barnes-Quail claimed 2-41 and 2-33 respectively.

Parchment said just getting back to cricket was a victory.

“It was great to be back on the park and not just for the players but the club as a community,” he said.

Robert Rutley makes his return for Doutta Stars. Picture: Andy Brownbill