Kew’s attack sets up VSDCA qualifying final win over Williamstown

VSDCA North-West rivals probably don’t need to be told of Kew’s depth of talent but its bowling attack sent a timely reminder against Williamstown.

John Hastings in action for Kew. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Kew’s batting power has stolen the headlines for much of the 2020-21 VSDCA season.

While North-West group rival probably don’t need to be told of the club’s depth of talent but its bowling attack sent a timely reminder in the nine-wicket qualifying final win over Williamstown at Victoria Park.

The Seagulls got a reprieve after being reduced to 6-73 before rain halted play on Saturday and the match was abandoned, to be restarted on Sunday.

However, Kew skipper Chris Weeks won the toss again and had no hesitation in asking the visitors to pad up.

John Hastings (3-8) ripped through the Williamstown top order with only skipper Brent McMinn (34), Matthew Twentyman (30) and Mitch Streiff (23) providing resistance in the Seagulls’ 128 all out.

Will Sist in action for Kew. Picture: Steve Tanner

Alistair Burge had three wickets on Saturday and claimed 1-9 from eight overs on Sunday as he returns to full fitness after overcoming a side strain.

“I was lucky enough to win the toss again on Sunday, I’ve had a pretty good year in that regard,” Weeks said.

“I’ve said it before, our bowlers have been under-rated all year and they set the tone.

“Hasto up front was awesome, Tom Chalkley was amazing on Saturday with eight overs for eight.

“It was good for Burge to get a bowl coming back from his side strain, he took three wickets on Saturday and bowled beautifully on Sunday.

“They need a lot of praise, particularly over the weekend and the last couple of games actually, they’ve been a driving force in what we’ve done the past couple of weeks.”

In the chase, opener Matt Brown anchored the innings with a fine 61 not out with support from Andrew Chalkley (37) and Will Sheridan (24).

While Chalkley and Sheridan topped the Subbies run-scoring charts, Brown has quietly put together an impressive debut season with Kew.

The former Melbourne Premier Cricket star scored 436 runs in the home-and-away season – seventh most in the conference – and provided leadership and experience.

Matt Brown and Chris Weeks have a chat in the field. Picture: Steve Tanner

“Browny is looking in great nick at the moment, I don’t think he’s too fussed who gets them as long as we’re singing the song at the end of the day,” Weeks said.

“Browny probably had a slow start to the year, slower than he would have liked.

“I think that shows the versatility of our side, Shero and Chalks picked up the slack and David (Wildsmith) averages 60-odd at five and doesn’t get much of an opportunity.”

Kew will host Brunswick in a cut-throat semi-final on Saturday after the Wicks were upset by Werribee in their qualifying final.

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In their Round 8 clash at AG Gillon Oval, Kew claimed a seven-wicket victory.

Having finished the regular season second and boasting the likes of Clint McKay, Louis Cameron and Liam Murphy, Brunswick will provide a stern test and Weeks knows his team can’t afford to lose focus.

“They’re obviously a very talented side, they’ve got one of the best attacks in the competition,” he said.

“I’ve very confident if we show up with the right attitude more often than not we’ll be on the right side of the result.”