Druids’ Paxino Medallist Mickey Hay blasts unbeaten ton against Doutta Stars

Reigning VTCA Senior Division league medallist, Mickey Hay starts the season in superb form against Doutta Stars, blasting an unbeaten century.

Jarrod Parsons in action for Druids. Picture: Hamish Blair

Reigning Paxino Medallist Mickey Hay kicked off the VTCA season in scintillating form on Saturday.

The Druids captain-coach smashed 124 not out to inspire a 153-run thrashing of last season’s grand finalist Doutta Stars at Shorten Reserve.

Hay claimed the VTCA Senior Division’s highest honour last season after a stellar campaign with bat and ball and picked up from where he left off against the Stars.

Coming in at 1-1, Hay was imperious, hitting nine boundaries and a trio of sixes.

“I was pretty happy with it, it’s always good to get early runs in the season to build some momentum,” Hay said.

Micky Hay in action for Druids. Picture: Hamish Blair

“I felt I was seeing the ball and hitting the ball well, hopefully I can keep it up the rest of the season.

“I try not to let that (Paxino Medal) bother me, I’d rather just be down to earth and play every game as it comes.”

With Druids looking shaky at 4-57, Hay was joined in the middle by Leigh Wilson (64 not out) and the pair took the game away from Doutta, putting on a match-turning 189-run partnership.

The home team finished 4-241 from its 40 overs and carried that momentum into the second innings.

Doutta Stars reached 0-33 but collapsed spectacularly to be all out 88 inside 27 overs.

“Being good friends with the curator and obviously being the home club, we do have the advantage but I was shocked when they said we’ll have a bowl,” Hay admitted.

“We were definitely going to bat first, so it’s always handy to get what you want even when you lose the toss.

“We were slightly worried up front, losing three early wickets, but I knew it would only take one partnership.

Druids’ Leigh Wilson. Picture: Josie Hayden

“Leigh being a senior player, he’s scored a lot of runs in his VTCA career, if we could build a partnership together then we’d be alright.”

Young spinner Jarrod Parsons was the main destroyer, taking 3-14 in four overs, while Andrew Brennan (2-15) and Nathan Johnson (2-17) picked up a couple of wickets each.

“It was good to get the bowlers out in the middle, obviously it’s a lot different training in the nets,” Hay said.

“To get out in the field and bowl really well, it was good to see everyone chip in with wickets.

“Especially in the afternoon when the wicket was keeping a bit low, we thought there might be some turn in it, so we threw the young leg-spinner in and he did well.”

Druids are looking to bounce back after missing the finals last season.

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They face finals contenders Sunshine United and Yarraville Club in the next fortnight in a test of their credentials.

“Early wins are pretty crucial in this comp, it’s very good to get the first win on the board,” Hay said.

“We’ve got to keep working hard and take advantage of the momentum in the coming rounds.

“We’ve got some tough opposition coming up so we’ve got to make sure we’re on top of our game.”