Premier Cricket 2020-21: Jake Fraser-McGurk leads Richmond to win

Jake Fraser-McGurk fell painfully short of a major milestone as Richmond claimed its first win of the Premier Cricket season.

The stylish Jake Fraser-McGurk on his way to 99 for Richmond. Picture: Luke Shelley

A maiden Premier Cricket century eluded Jake Fraser-McGurk on Saturday but the young gun displayed his unquestionable class to steer Richmond to an emphatic victory.

The 18-year-old, who has represented Victoria four times across Sheffield Shield and one-day matches and has half-centuries to his name in both formats, was run out one run short of a ton as the Tigers toppled Casey-South Melbourne by eight wickets.

Fraser-McGurk made a difficult wicket at Central Reserve look like a flat track in compiling a rapid 99 from 86 deliveries, hammering nine boundaries and a six in 129 minutes at the crease.

Richmond skipper Dominic Matarazzo described the knock as “unbelievable” and declared it Fraser-McGurk’s best in Premier Cricket.

The talented right-hander has come close to reaching three figures for the Tigers in past seasons, making 90 against NSW club Hawkesbury in a National Premier Cricket T20 Championships fixture in March and 86 against Prahran in 2018-19.

Jake Fraser-McGurk hit nine boundaries and a six. Picture: Luke Shelley

Fraser-McGurk’s hand helped Richmond race to 2-194 with 14 overs to spare as rain threatened after the Swans posted 9-192.

Scott Edwards contributed 32 in an opening partnership of 104, while Kyle Viccars finished 49 not out Wil Parker seven not out.

“It was his best innings for us, probably his most mature innings too,” Matarazzo said.

“In the first 10 (overs) with two guys out (of the inner circle) he basically just hit them everywhere they couldn’t have guys. Once the field spread, he just knocked it down the ground … and didn’t even try to do anything outrageous.

“He was able to rein himself in, but it was obviously unfortunate he ran himself out on 99.

“He was pretty shattered afterwards. I think he realised, once the dust had settled, that he’d thrown it away.

“He just hit one to basically short mid-wicket and set off. I think there was still 17 overs to bat. There was a bit of rain falling, which may have played a part in it … but he batted that well he deserved (a century).

“It probably would have been close to the best hundred at Central if he got there.”

Matarazzo also heaped praise on Viccars, who was acutely aware his spot could be under threat after a duck in Round 1.

Before arriving at the crease, he was also aware Tim Goodman (114 not out), Andrew Humphries (97 not out) and Zac Sleeman (72) has piled on the runs in the Second XI match.

Earlier, Sam Mills kick-started Richmond’s fightback after Casey-South Melbourne cruised to 1-142 after winning the toss.

Sam Mills celebrates the wicket of Michael Wallace. Picture: Luke Shelley

He grabbed the key wickets of Ashley Chandrasinghe (70) before the second drinks break and then knocked over opposition captain Michael Wallace (39).

The Swans crumbled to lose 8-50 after the home side failed to deliver “in the field or with the ball for the first 30-35 overs”.

But Mills (3-42) and Marcus Berryman (2-33) applied the pressure, while state paceman Mitch Perrey returned 1-12 from seven immaculate overs.

“The guys executed perfectly, and the fielders backed them up,” Matarazzo said.

“I think we took 8-60 off that final 15 overs when they looked like they could get 230, 240, and possibly more. To keep them to 190 was an awesome fightback.

“(Mills has) been probably our best bowler in the first two games.

“He got some big wickets at big times and we were able to stem the flow. He’s pretty much the perfect bowler at Central.

“To have him fit and firing at the start of the year has been really good for us.”

The Tigers are preparing to be without Fraser-McGurk, Perry and Parker for an extended period, with the trio securing contracts for the coming Big Bash League season, while they will also have state commitments.

“Those three make a massive difference to our team, just their energy, experience and knowledge,” Matarazzo said.

“Even though they’re young … they’re exposed to the next level and they bring that stuff back and help our younger guys out, which is good considering we’re a young group.

“But we can use their experiences to help our young guys and some of our older guys as well.”

Richmond will next meet Dandenong away from home in Round 3.