Premier Cricket 2018-19: Fitzroy Doncaster No.3 Noah Korkolis hits maiden First XI century

Fitzroy Doncaster No.3 Noah Korkolis hit his maiden First XI century but it was not enough to secure the Lions victory as Prahran prevailed in an epic.

Sam Cook celebrates one of his five wickets. Picture: Mark Dadswell/AAP

Fitzroy Doncaster had some holes to fill at the start of the season.

It waved goodbye to star all-rounder Matthew Frith and former state player Lloyd Mash, looking to inject new talent while still contending for a third premiership in four years.

Noah Korkolis was handed an opportunity and has nailed down his spot at No. 3, striking his maiden First XI century on Saturday.

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His 113 against Prahran at Schramms Reserve helped take Fitzroy Doncaster to 8-280 (dec) before the True Blues recorded a two-wicket win in a thriller to inflict the Lions’ fourth consecutive defeat.

Korkolis has drifted in and out of the ones in recent seasons but has cemented his place in the top grade this summer.

Men's 1XI @prahrancc nail-biting stuff here at Schramms Reserve as @MattWilcox73 has played a blinder of an innings to continue his form with the bat and ends up on 43 not out as the home side defeat @fitzdonc by 2 wickets.#TrueBlues

— Prahran Cricket Club (@prahrancc) February 10, 2019

Men's 1XI @prahrancc nervous crowd getting into the action as the runs required is down to 10 from 5.5 overs and the home side @fitzdonc need 2 wickets to win with new ball due at the end of the this over. #TrueBlues

— Prahran Cricket Club (@prahrancc) February 10, 2019

Men's 1XI @prahrancc, Schramms Reserve is witnessing a thriller here and the visitors are 8-257 at the end of 76 overs. @fitzdonc need two wickets and the batting side need 24 runs from 9 overs. #TrueBlues

— Prahran Cricket Club (@prahrancc) February 10, 2019

He had to survive a searching spell from Prahran import Sam Cook, who grabbed 5-76 from 22 overs.

“He bowled a really good spell to us and it almost felt like you could get out every ball but had a little bit of luck as well, which you need I suppose to have a good day,” Korkolis said.

“The wicket was doing a little bit early and definitely we were going to bowl first so there was a little bit of work to be done but we knew it would flatten out a little bit later, which it did, so it was just about surviving really.”

After showing glimpses with a couple of 40s and a half-century this season, Korkolis said it was a relief to reach triple-figures.

Sam Cook appeals for an lbw. Picture: Mark Dadswell/AAP

“I started, I was quite young, in the fours and I suppose probably over the last two or three years I’ve been getting a taste for playing firsts trying to secure a spot in obviously such a strong team,” he said.

“I knew a couple of other batsmen were going to be ahead of me maybe to open, which is where I’ve batted before, and haven’t had too much success through the middle-order or lower so I just thought with my skill-set, No. 3 was the best position and where I could have the most impact on the game.”

Players help remove the covers during a rain delay. Picture: Mark Dadswell/AAP

James Billington hit 83 on Sunday to be the backbone of the top-order, engaging in vital partnerships with Will Sutherland (37) and Nathan McNally (21).

But No.8 Matt Wilcox ultimately proved the hero for Prahran, hitting 43 not out to give Prahran an upset win.

Wilcox and Lachie Bangs (29 not out) put on 43 for the eighth wicket, while Cook backed up his five-wicket haul with a gritty 9 not out.

Fitzroy Doncaster remains in faces Melbourne University in a two-day game at University Main Oval starting on Saturday.

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