DVCA 2020-21: Bundoora Park’s Thilina Herath hammers rapid ton
Thilina Herath scored 96 runs in boundaries in an incredible maiden Diamond Valley Cricket Association century.
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Thilina Herath’s time at Bundoora Park has featured consistent contributions with bat and ball.
But on Saturday the all-rounder, who is in his fourth season with the Thunderbolts, crunched a magnificent century full of prowess and power.
Herath put Bundoora United’s attack to the sword in hammering a rapid 107 to lead the visitors to an eight-wicket triumph in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield clash.
He took just 46 balls to reach three figures for the first time for the club, clobbering 12 boundaries and 8 sixes in a dominant display.
“He had a little bit of luck early, but after that he was amazing,” Bundoora Park president Andrew Culph said.
“Quite a few of the boys and the supporters thought it was one of the better knocks they’d seen.
“He just hit the ball to all parts.
“He’s had a couple of really good innings and he’s been threatening for a while, but he just slayed them everywhere.”
After United posted a respectable 8-177 from its 40 overs, Herath ensured the result would be settled quickly.
When he exited, the Thunderbolts needed just 51 runs for victory.
They finished 2-181 with almost 12 overs to spare, with coach Kristian Doddato (20) and No.3 Jake Bennett (40 not out) also contributing.
Bundoora Park is in its second season in the DVCA after making the switch from the North Metro association.
The Thunderbolts were promoted from the third tier Mash Shield in 2019-20 after finishing the home-and-away rounds on top of the ladder and have made a flying start to the new summer.
They are sitting pretty on top of the ladder with four wins from five games, with Rubal Singh-Dhillon and Hayden Culph key additions.
“We’ve had a big influx of numbers this year and have five senior teams, which is good,” Andrew Culph said.
Lalor Stars, Research Eltham Collegians and Bundoora United make up the top four.
The Thunderbolts will face Bundoora, which was relegated from Barclay Shield last season, in Round 6.
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