Kingston Hawthorn chases Dowling Shield glory

Kingston Hawthorn has surged into the Dowling Shield final for the first time in its history. We name the key players for the Hawks.

Kingston Hawthorn's Dowling Shield squad. Picture: Pete Marshall

When Herbie Fischbacher took the final wicket to secure semi-final victory for Kingston Hawthorn’s Dowling Shield side, the young Hawks went off.

It was sheer jubilation as players charged onto the field to celebrate an historic moment — Kingston Hawthorn was not only into a Dowling Shield final, but the club as a whole had clinched its first-ever grand final appearance.

“We are really excited,’’ Hawks senior coach and Dowling team manager Pete Marshall said.

“It’s the first time a Kingston Hawthorn team has competed in a grand final since our inception six years ago.’’

Kingston Hawthorn has won five of its six games to make the Dowling Shield flag decider against Essendon at Walter Galt Reserve on Sunday.

Hamish McKenzie has scored 162 runs, at 40.50. Picture: Facebook

The Hawks reached the final behind Hamish McKenzie’s well made 53 as they posted 9-223, and Sai Sehgal’s 4-25, with Fitzroy-Doncaster dismissed for 196.

Tajbir Powar is the club’s leading run-scorer in the competition with 176, while Sehgal and Fischbacher lead the way with eight wickets.

Marshall said the young Hawks’ strength was their talent depth and spirit.

“The boys are invested and even the lads who missed out are all part of it, they ran on the field when we won the semi-final,’’ Marshall said.

“We’ve had an even contribution. We are not a team of superstars, but we are a super team.’’

Marshall said the success of the under-17 Hawks was great for the future of the club in the “bigger picture’’.

“We want to show that the local area, Kingston, is a viable destination for young cricketers who want to have a go at Premier Cricket in a local area,’’ he said.

Kingston Hawthorn’s opponent, Essendon, has reached the final on the back of a “team first” mantra.

Star leg-spinner and batsman Bailey Toseland has led the Bombers charge, along with opening bat Jessraj Badhaan, Vic Metro batsman Lucas Cavigan and paceman Archit Bhatia.

“We know Essendon will be good,’’ Marshall said.

“We are having a team meeting to do some homework on them.’’

Kingston Hawthorn’s Dowling Shield side is coached by Joel Lewis, who keeps wickets in the Hawks’ first XI. He’s led the youngsters with disctinction.

Joel Lewis has coached Kingston Hawthorn’s Dowling Shield squad into the final. Picture: Hamish Blair

Kingston Hawthorn’s key players:

*Hamish McKenzie

The Washington Park wicketkeeper-top order batsman has batted twice this season with Bobby Quiney in club cricket. You can’t buy that sort of experience. In Dowling, he has scored 162 runs, at 40.50, including a half-century in the semi-final.

*Luke Sullivan, captain

From the Sullivan family who have a storied history at St John Vianney’s–St Bede’s and Kingston Saints cricket clubs. Luke debuted in Kingston Hawthorn’s second XI last week and made 20 and took two wickets. Had led the Dowling side strongly.

*Tajbir Powar

From Lynbrook, he is a power hitter in the middle order. Has made 176 runs, at 29.33. A match-winner.

*Prabhav Mishra

The stylish opening batsman has made 151 runs, at 25.17, in the tournament. Underlining his talent, he also cracked a century in the Hawks’ third XI in December.

*Sai Sehgal

The leg-spinner was pivotal with 4-25 off 10 overs in the semi-final. He’s been training with the Hawks seniors, and dismissing Premier first XI players in the nets, spinning them out.

*Herbie Fischbacher

Has been outstanding with the new ball, taking eight wickets, at 21. Can set up the Hawks early.

*Aditya Chowdhary

Produced the bowling display of the tournament when he took 6-18 off 10 overs against Footscray.