ECA: Glen Iris coach Lucas Skelton shines alongside Dunstan Shield debutantes
Glen Iris will never forget Lucas Skelton’s 100th game defeating the top side with two first gamers and a veteran returning to the Dunstan Shield for the first time since 2014.
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There’s wins and then there’s those that will stick in the memory for years to come.
It’s the exact experience Glen Iris had after it shocked the now former ladder leaders Mont Albert in the Eastern Cricket Association.
The victory included 100th gamer Lucas “Bones” Skelton firing his side to the win, two youngsters making their Dunstan Shield debuts and a veteran returning to the top grade for the first time in several years.
Skelton, who is the club’s coach, shone as the man of the moment delivering one of the most important 30-run innings of his career to lead his side to a one-wicket win.
Since arriving at the club for the 2014-15 season, Skelton has gone onto score more than 2700 runs including three centuries and several premierships.
His heroics came after Glen Iris was able to bowl out their hosts for 81 led by Andrew Stolzenburg’s 3-7.
“Glen Iris has made me feel right at home since I came back from living overseas and wanted to find a club where I could play cricket,” Skelton said.
“It’s easy to enjoy yourself when you’re surrounded by a great bunch of people like I have been.
“I said to the boys you will always remember the wins you have to grind out and fight for — this one will be no different.
“The most important thing for us was getting the better of a quality top four side.”
Club president Scott Rojko said Skelton deserved every bit of praise he had received in the lead up to the game.
“He’s been an outstanding captain and coach for our club,” he said.
“To have someone come in several years and be so invested has been fantastic. He is heavily invested in our junior program with his sons starting to come through the ranks as well.
“We’re very lucky to have him as a member of our club.
“It was a fantastic achievement to have played his 100th game and to get a quality win is even better.”
Skelton’s milestone marked an already special day for Glen Iris who named Luke Gatehouse and Freddie Parry in its Dunstan Shield line-up for the first time.
Gatehouse, who was also making his first XI debut, played a small but crucial role with the bat finishing four not out from 30 balls in a thrilling run chase.
While Parry finished with 1-18 from his six overs.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Daniel Cohen returned to the Shield side for the first time since the 2013-14 season taking a catch off the bowling of Nick Jamieson who took 2-21.
“As in the nature of the season we’ve made a lot of changes to our team throughout the season,” Skelton said.
“It was important all three came in and played a role. Dan is a quality wicketkeeper and performed to the level we thought he would.
“For the younger guys it was also great to see them do so well.”
Glen Iris now sits just three points behind fourth placed Old Carey and will face Heathmont, who sit at the foot of the ladder, on Saturday.
OTHER DUNSTAN SHIELD RESULTS
East Doncaster 7-183 def. Heathmont 100
North Balwyn 6-173 def. Canterbury 154
Marcellin OC 151 def. Old Carey 9-139
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