NewsBite

Scott Woolcock, Dinesh Cooray help Airport West St Christopher’s destroy PEGS

Dinesh Cooray scored his second straight century but Scott Woolcock stole the show as Airport West St Christopher’s smashed PEGS.

Airport West St Christopher's batsman Dan Salpietro. Picture: Stuart Milligan
Airport West St Christopher's batsman Dan Salpietro. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Dinesh Cooray scored his second straight century but it was Scott Woolcock who stole the show as Airport West St Christopher’s routed PEGS on Saturday.

Cooray got the party started with a magnificent 120 from 134 balls before Woolcock’s destructive spell of bowling saw him collect 6-21.

It is the former Eagles coach’s career best return.

VTCA Division 1 struggler PEGS simply had no answers, dismissed for just 62 in 17.5 overs, suffering a 171-run defeat chasing 4-233.

It could have been far worse if not for No.10 Gayantha Wijethilaka scoring 18 runs late.

Airport West St Christopher’s match-winner Scott Woolcock.
Airport West St Christopher’s match-winner Scott Woolcock.

Airport West St Christopher’s coach Alan Torrance was rapt for a club stalwart.

“To have Scott – who’s not our go-to strike bowler – come home with a six-for, he was amazing,” he said.

“It’s good for him because at our club, like making a ton, you get on the honour board, so Woolly is going to be on the honour board with a six-for.

“It’s great reward for a really good guy, a good cricketer.”

Woolcock opened the bowling in place of Steven Reid, the former Melbourne University paceman missing for the birth of his daughter.

Earlier, it was Cooray and Dan Salpietro doing the damage.

After Jordan Kelly was dismissed in the first over of the day, the pair combined for a 169-run partnership before Salpietro fell for 81.

Salpietro, the reigning Isaacs-Howarth Medallist is currently second on the competition run-scoring charts with 511 runs, while Cooray isn’t far behind in fourth on 469 and Kelly is seventh.

PEGS bowler Adam Reidy-Crofts in action. Picture: Stuart Milligan
PEGS bowler Adam Reidy-Crofts in action. Picture: Stuart Milligan

The knock was Cooray’s second straight ton after a 105 against West Coburg.

“Those two gentlemen have been in wonderful form,” Torrance said.

The result ensured a positive celebration for the club’s past players reunion.

The win and percentage boost keeps Airport West St Christopher’s in the top four ahead of Sunshine and Seddon, all on 30 points.

The Eagles face a difficult run home with Seddon visiting Etzel Street on Saturday before clashes against third-placed Altona North away, second-placed St Francis de Sales at home and Altona Roosters.

Torrance wouldn’t have it any other way.

PREMIER: GREENVALE HOPES TO KEEP WORLD CUP WINNER

LEADER: GET YOUR LOCAL CRICKET NEWS HERE

VTCA: HAIG FAWKNER ANNOUNCES TITLE CHALLENGE

“We obviously want to make finals and go further than last season and I think the team’s got that little bit of extra belief in each other now,” he said.

“You wouldn’t want it any other way, if we have to play the best to get there then that’s what we want to do.

“We started the season thinking we were up there at the pointy end and to drop out of the top four was a reality check, a realignment, and now the boys are in a good head space.”

Elsewhere, Sunshine (9-194) kept the pressure on with a win over Tullamarine (116), Seddon (7-214) were too good for Altona Roosters (146), Deer Park (8-161) squeezed past Altona North (7-158) and St Francis de Sales (126) defeated West Coburg (80).

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/sport/scott-woolcock-dinesh-cooray-help-airport-west-st-christophers-destroy-pegs/news-story/ac2079444ac9d8b33b0dde8af97c5134