Haig Fawkner aiming for T20 redemption, Druids chase second title

Haig Fawkner charged into a third straight VTCA T20 final, while Druids are looking to win a second title in five seasons.

Two of the VTCA’s most successful T20 clubs will battle for the title on Sunday.

Haig Fawkner charged into its third straight final with a comfortable six-wicket win over Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s, while Druids eased past West Coburg by 37 runs on Tuesday night.

Embattled reigning Senior Division premier Haig is looking for redemption after losing last season’s final to Aberfeldie.

Meanwhile, Druids is looking to add a second trophy to the cabinet after winning in 2018-19.

At Mutton Reserve, Viraj Lakshitha’s 4-13 ripped through Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s as the Division 4 premiership contender was dismissed for just 78.

Aziz Ullah in action for Haig Fawnker. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Jaspreet Bhatti (21), skipper Dilan Soysa (17 not out) and Warren Parker (16) then guided the home team to victory.

Haig coach John Masci said several youngsters had stepped up and grabbed the opportunity.

“It was a great win considering the circumstances the club is in and we’ve given four or five young boys, who’ve come through our junior ranks, the opportunity to play and they all stood up.

“Sam Kosmak, Chris Gioupas, Scotty Liversidge and Connor O’Brien, they all played a part either with bat, ball or in the field.

Chasing a small total, Haig made a strong start as Parker and Bhatti reached 0-42 before Warren fell.

A shock 3-1 collapse saw Haig in trouble at 4-55 to give Maribyrnong Park a sniff of a stunning upset but Soysa and Sam Kosmak (eight not out) guided their team to victory.

“Warren (Parker) made an appearance, which has been great, and his leadership on the ground is second to none,” Masci said.

“Warren has commitments away from cricket so he’s playing some one-day cricket and playing with his son, Darcy, which is something he’s wanted to do for a number of years.”

Druids’ Nathan Johnson in action for the VTCA representative team. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Masci praised Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s after a sensational run to the semi-final with upset wins over Senior Division power Aberfeldie and Doutta Stars.

“Any team that makes it to a semi-final, regardless of where they are in the division ranks, is a great effort,” he said.

“They’re led really well by (Daniel) Stavris, I think they’re a good unit – they’re second in the Saturday comp – and I think they can look forward to a good future.”

Haig will face Druids in the final at PEGS on Sunday.

Druids tasted success in 2018-19 and claimed its place in the final thanks to a brilliant all-round performance from Nathan Johnson.

The VTCA representative smashed 48 not out from 51 balls as Druids posted 7-148 in their 20 overs.

He then claimed 2-10, including the key wicket of West Coburg opener Tarek Moughanie, while Eamon Scott was the main destroyer with 4-13.

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West Coburg could only muster 8-111 from its 20 overs as their strong run came to an end.

Mohamed Feshal was the Redbacks’ best with 35 and 1-4.

Masci said his players were looking forward to taking on their long-time rival.

“Druids have always been a great side and a big challenge for us even in the lower grades when we played them,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can come away with another T20 flag and go one further than we did last year.”