DVCA 2020-21: Heidelberg hammers Diamond Creek in Barclay Shield

Heidelberg made light work of Diamond Creek, producing a dominant display in the re-match of last summer’s DVCA Barclay Shield decider.

Heidelberg captain-coach Justin Whitcher was rapt with his team’s performance. Picture: Andy Brownbill

As a contest, it was a fizzer of epic proportions.

Heidelberg and Diamond Creek met in last season’s Diamond Valley Cricket Association grand final and were ultimately declared joint premiers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

There was a degree of anticipation as the pair prepared to clash in Round 9 of the 2020-21 Barclay Shield campaign on Saturday.

But the match could not have been any more one-sided.

The Tigers’ frugal bowling attack limited the Creekers to a barely believable 8-99 from 40 overs after losing the toss.

The response was brutal, with Heidelberg racing to 0-102 from 15.5 overs to complete an emphatic victory.

The visitors entered the match riding a three-game losing run, but rediscovered some of their best form to send an ominous warning to their flag rivals.

“Everything clicked, and it needed to given where the season’s at right now,” Tigers captain-coach Justin Whitcher said.

“Everything’s in the balance week by week and we had a three-week run of underperforming. Two or three players playing their roles isn’t enough. I told them we need six-plus.

“But we’ve had some really good, productive chats as a group in the last two weeks.

“I was hoping (a performance) like this might come about at some point … confidence is a huge thing, so that one win gets everyone back to understanding they’re capable.”

Whitcher heaped praise on his bowlers after they executed to perfection, with Diamond Creek’s batsmen forced to take risks to find the boundary.

Andrew Fotinopoulos (2-12), Zach Pett (2-16), Whitcher (2-17) and Callum Gogerly (2-22) shared the wickets.

Andrew Fotinopoulos bends his back for Heidelberg. Picture: David Crosling

They were supported by an “outstanding” fielding effort.

“Diamo are a team that’s had success, but they haven’t been massive with the bat this season and the stats showed that,” Whitcher said.

“It was just the ability to get a couple early and put them on the back foot.”

Mark Favrin (62 not out) and Whitcher (30 not out) then completed the run chase with aplomb.

The experienced Favrin re-joined the club in Round 6 and made 96 in a B Grade fixture before earning a promotion to the top side, where he has bolstered the batting.

“Mark’s nearly 40 and our group is quite young generally. He’s been around for a while,” Whitcher said.

“He’s always put football before cricket.

“It might not be technically perfect, but he’s got an amazing eye, and he’s capable of hitting the ball to different parts of the ground.

“He’s a good asset and he also provides a lot of energy.”

The success left Heidelberg in sixth position on the ladder with a 5-4 record, equal on points with third-ranked Riverside.