Doutta Stars take Game 1 of VTCA Senior Division grand final series
Pat Willach and Hamish Moore play starring roles as Doutta Stars claimed Game 1 of the VTCA Senior Division grand final series against Sunshine United.
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A Pat Willach century and man-of-the-match performance from Hamish Moore has Doutta Stars one win away from a drought-breaking VTCA Senior Division premiership.
The Stars claimed a stunning nine-wicket win on Saturday in Game 1 of the best-of-three series, chasing down Sunshine United’s 6-204 with four overs to spare at Selwyn Park.
Sunday’s Game 2 was postponed due to rain until next Saturday with Game 3 to be played the following day if needed.
The Stars are chasing their first premiership since a Division 1 title in 2014-15 and first Senior Division crown since 2007-08.
Facing an imposing total, Willach and Moore put on a 173-run opening stand – the second highest partnership in Senior Division this season.
Willach finished unbeaten on 116, his second First XI ton for the Stars, continuing a fine run of form since moving to the top of the order.
Brenton Parchment was in the middle when Willach brought up three figures and couldn’t have been prouder of his teammate’s achievement.
“I’ve seen a lot of hundreds and this was a very good hundred given the circumstances, the stage, he showed a lot of character and class,” he said.
“He’s got a bit of everything to his game, he’s a powerful young fella and hits the ball hard but it’s not just slogging, they’re clean cricket shots.
“He’s an excellent all-round cricketer; he bats well, he’s an excellent fielder and bowls well and more importantly a humble guy.”
While Willach stole the headlines, Stars captain-coach Moore was man-of-the match with 82 and 4-26.
Moore picked up the key wickets of Sunshine United counterpart Neetan Chouhan (52) and Kaushal Lokuarachchi (eight) and now has more than 500 runs for the third time at the club.
“It was a damn good effort,” Parchment said.
“Pat got the headlines but if you follow the VTCA closely (Hamish) is always there or thereabouts and he scores runs pretty handsomely.”
Tom Duxon top-scored for the Tigers with 62.
Sunday’s consistent rain saw water get under the covers at Selwyn Park and meant play never started.
With Game 2 now pushed back to the coming weekend Parchment said his team had a blueprint of what it took to win and claim the premiership.
“We would have loved to play but you can’t help what happens with the rain,” he said.
“The good news is we’ve got our noses in front and prepare as we normally do and go again next Saturday.
“I definitely prefer to be in front but in terms of mental edge I’m not sure, we both start from zero again on Saturday.”
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Meanwhile in Division 1, Craigieburn (9-104) took the lead in its grand final series against Sunshine with an 18-run win over Sunshine (86).
Altona North (3-138) claimed Game 1 in Division 1 after a seven-wicket victory against Newport-Digman (9-136) thanks to skipper Nick Rainone’s unbeaten 83.
A 79 from Peter Hick inspired West Newport (6-156) to a four-wicket win over Williamstown Imperials (155) in Division 3.
Sunbury (9-130) is in the box seat for back-to-back promotions after belting Footscray United (70) by 60 runs in Division 4.
And in Division 5 Bellbridge were skittled for just 34 and Williamstown Colts strolled to a nine-wicket win.
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