Matt O’Meara heroics guide Pascoe Vale Central to breakthrough NWMCA premiership win
Stepping in for injured Pascoe Vale Central captain Cameron Hare, Matt O’Meara’s batting fireworks guide his team to a breakthrough NWMCA premiership win over Buckley Park.
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Pascoe Vale Central has overcome the loss of captain Cameron Hare to claim a breakthrough George Luscombe Shield.
Hare was forced to withdraw with a back injury just days before the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association First XI decider against Buckley Park.
Matt O’Meara was the hero, replacing Hare and blasting a crucial 82, which included 11 fours and four sixes, after coming in at 2-41.
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Forced to watch on from the sidelines, Hare said he was even prouder of his team.
“A really powerful win for our guys and I’m super proud,” he said.
“It looks comfortable but there were certainly some nervous moments … especially with (Buckley Park opener) Mark McPherson out there - 144 not out - and really didn’t give a chance until he had to up the ante and take the fences on.
“If anything I was more proud watching the boys get it done without me.
“Matty O’Meara, who stepped in for me, made 82 and kept and took three catches, so he had a phenomenal game and it might have been the best decision for me not to play.”
Paul Tripp (98) and O’Meara put on a 144-run third-wicket partnership before James Ford added a quick-fire 72 to guide PVC to 6-368.
David Tripp was then the main destroyer with the ball, taking 5-58, as Buckley Park were bowled out for 303, despite McPherson carrying the bat.
After overcoming early-season injuries to scrap into the finals, Central tasted success for the first time since 2013-14.
Central squeezed past minor premiers Kealba-Green Gully by one wicket in the semi-final to make the grand final with a desperate last partnership chasing down the 40 runs needed.
And the club was celebrating dual premiership successes this week after the Second XI captured the Keith Stringer Shield.
Central finished on top after the home-and-away season before claiming the premiership by 116 runs over Kealba-Green Gully.
Mark Sayers tpp scored with 53 before Steve Sayers claimed 3-48 with the ball.
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