Kew wins VSDCA club championship, eyes back-to-back flags

Kew coach Wayne Myers says the challenges faced by his club this season make the club championship an extraordinary achievement.

Kew is celebrating a second VSDCA Club Championship as it chases back-to-back premierships.

The reigning North-East premier enjoyed another exceptional season across all four grades this North-South season to claim the Ken Fewster Trophy.

Kew finished 5.80 points ahead of Werribee to win the Subbies championship for the second time in three seasons, following a maiden title in 2020-21.

The club finished on top in the First XI, snuck into sixth on percentage in the Second XI and second in both Third XI Division 1 and Fourth XI Division 1.

Coach Wayne Myers said given the club’s challenges this season it was a major achievement.

Kew opener Andrew Chalkley swings the bat. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I think ourselves and Werribee are the only clubs with all four Subbies teams in finals,” he said.

“All our players take a lot of pride in the fact they’ve made contributions along the way.

“This season hasn’t been without its challenges.

“We’ve only had one of home grounds available, in particular the Threes and Fours have played away every week unless they had Sunday cricket.

“Even our main ground wasn’t operational for the first two months of the year, a little bit like Elsternwick.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved this year (on field), even more so than the previous two years, and we’ve got a fantastic off-field team of volunteers that serve on the committee and on match days.”

Having finished on top of the First XI ladder for the third season in a row, focus now switches to a qualifying final against Elsternwick.

Kew has lost just one game and drawn another this season, winning 13 of 15 matches.

Captain Matthew Brown led the way with the bat, scoring 494 runs at an average of 38.00, ranked ninth in the competition, while Will Sist finished eighth overall for wickets with 31 scalps at 13.39.

David Wildsmith in action for Kew. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Myers said the club was fortunate to have major contributors across the field.

“Our top order batting has been successful, I think we’ve topped 200 most games, and our bowling unit has consistently performed as well,” he said.

“Matt Brown has captained terrifically well, Andrew Chalkley, David Wildsmith and Chris Weeks have been tremendous with the bat.

“We’ve had two excellent overseas recruits in Ollie Birts, our left-arm off-spinner, and Joe Cooke, who’s a First Class cricketer and a first class bloke.

“We reckon our wicketkeeper Liam Powell is one of the best in the comp and Will Sist and Will Troy are both Premier-level bowlers performing admirably.

“Everyone understands their role in the team and continue to give their best.”

Kew is eyeing a third consecutive grand final appearance and a second straight premiership.

However, Myers is not letting his players get ahead of themselves.

“At the beginning of the season we chatted a bit about it (going back-to-back),” he said.

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“But we’ll take each game as it comes and hopefully give ourselves a chance by making the grand final first.

“It’s never easy to win flags, you’re up against the strongest clubs.

“We’re hoping to play, or continue to play, some good cricket and see where we go.”

Minor premier Kew will host Elsternwick, Caulfield will welcome Ormond and St Bernard’s will tackle Brighton in a Saturday-Sunday double-header.