High-scoring batters dominate Leader’s Premier Cricket Team of the Week

It was a batters paradise in Premier Cricket this weekend and that dominance is reflected in our Team of the Week. Check out the high-scoring XI here.

Carlton wicketkeeper Jai Lemire. Picture: Valeriu Campan

There were centuries galore in Victorian Premier Cricket this weekend.

Eight in fact, while there was just the one big bag of wickets.

Such were the running scoring feats, Greenvale Kangaroos captain Justin Galeotti can consider himself unlucky to miss out on selection after scoring 98.

With the ball, Sean McNicholl led the way with a round-high seven-wicket haul and jumps to third on the competition run-scorers charts.

Check out our Premier Cricket Round 16 Team of the Week and have your say.

Brett Forsyth dispatches a ball to the fence for Dandenong. Picture: Valeriu Campan

1. CAMERON HEMP (Prahran)

Bagged his maiden First XI century just two months ago – now he has two – crushing November’s effort of 107 on Saturday with an unbeaten 163 as the True Blues snared first spot on the ladder in their 59-run blitz of Frankston Peninsula. It’s also the fourth time this season the opener has sailed past 50 runs in a match.

2. BRETT FORSYTH (Dandenong)

The Dandenong champion brought up his third century of the season – and 22nd overall – in a clinical display against Camberwell Magpies. His 137 off 266 deliveries pushed him to 649 runs for the summer.

3. CAMPBELL KELLAWAY (Melbourne)

The 21-year-old blasted a team-leading 129 runs off 176 deliveries for his biggest knock of the campaign, helping his side to victory over St Kilda. The ton also helped the Victoria-listed lefty sail past 300 runs for the season.

Campbell Kellaway in action for Melbourne. Picture: Andy Brownbill

4. CHARLIE LILL (Melbourne)

Kellaway wasn’t the only centurion for Melbourne, with Lill cracking in with 112 runs of Melbourne’s 395 total, driving 17 fours from 189 balls as his side consolidated its spot in the top eight. Lill has 298 runs for the season at an average of 49.67.

5. JACK TAYLOR (Kingston Hawthorn)

The Gloucestershire batter blasted 101 not out off 150 balls to guide the Hawks to their second victory of the season, overhauling Greenvale’s 215. He put away five sixes and four fours.

6. LUCAS McCONNELL (Frankston Peninsula)

The 21-year-old hit his maiden century for Frankston Peninsula, 107 off 165 balls against a strong Prahran attack. He drove, cut and pulled with power – and attacked the spinners – as he dispatched 18 boundaries.

St Kilda all-rounder Jonathan Merlo. Picture: Valeriu Campan

7. JONO MERLO (St Kilda)

The Victoria-listed all-rounder backed up his ton for the state Second XI during the week with 139 off 166 in St Kilda’s mammoth chase. Merlo’s heroics were to no avail however, as the Saints fell 29 runs short of Melbourne’s 6-395.

8. JAI LEMIRE (Carlton)

A maiden Premier Cricket century for the emerging wicketkeeper, finishing 148 not out (225 balls, 14 fours, four sixes) out of total of 248 against Fitzroy Doncaster. With an array of crisp cover drives he lifted the Blues out of trouble and later launched some impressive six hitting, while combining with No.11 Michael Archer (22) for a new Carlton last-wicket record of 126.

9. NOAH HURLEY (Dandenong)

The Panthers’ seamer took 4-24 on the second day of play to steer his side to another victory. Leading the Dandenong attack, Hurley now has 20 wickets at 20.05 this summer.

Sean McNicholl during his time at Greenvale Kangaroos. Picture: Stuart Milligan

10. SEAN McNICHOLL (Fitzroy Doncaster)

The gun paceman is enjoying his first season at Schramms Reserve and on Saturday grabbed his third five-wicket haul of the season. McNicholl’s season-best 7-30 ripped through Carlton, removing the likes of Mackenzie Harvey, Tom and Harrison Smyth and Evan Gulbis, to help set up the Lions’ four-wicket win. He’s now up to 30 wickets at an average of 14.27 and chasing a second Team of the Year nod.

11. BEN ROOSENBOOM (Footscray)

The Bulldogs young gun enjoyed his best day of the season on Saturday, claiming 4-15 to help dismiss Melbourne University for 192. It ensured Footscray secured a six-wicket win and kept in touch with the top-eight. In 11 matches, Roosenboom now has 17 wickets at 23.94.

12. ARCHIE LALOR (Northcote)

In just his second First XI match, young Lalor showcased his potential with an impressive all-round display. Coming in at No.10, the Vic Country Under-19 representative hit a critical 49 from 90 balls to lift Northcote to 298. He then produced a stunning bowling display, finishing with 0-1 off eight overs – bowling an seven maidens to restrict Casey-South Melbourne’s deep batting line-up.