St Bernard’s make perfect return to VSDCA action against Coburg
Despite not having set foot on a cricket ground in almost a month, St Bernard’s didn’t show any signs of rust against Coburg with a dominant victory to continue its strong start to the season.
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Despite not taking the field in almost a month St Bernard’s delivered a dominant performance on Saturday as it smashed Coburg by six wickets.
Continued wet weather meant the Snowdogs hadn’t played since their VSDCA Round 2 win over Plenty Valley on October 26.
“We were mindful of potentially being a bit rusty — having not played for a couple of weeks — but the performance was really clinical,” Coach Nigel Freebairn said.
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“The way we bowled and fielded was faultless and the way we chased with plenty of overs left was really pleasing.
“In the pre-match meeting, we usually have eight to 10 points that we look to execute and I said in the post-match there was nothing we didn’t accomplish. It was a perfect day for us.”
After winning the toss, St Bernard’s sent the Burgers in at Coburg City Oval and promptly had the home team on the ropes.
Aaron Smillie (2-12) and Upul Bandara (2-17) ripped through the Coburg top order as it crumbled to be all out for 143.
Promoted to the First XI after an outstanding 165 in the seconds, Sahil Sharma (20) opened the batting and got St Bernard’s off to a strong start with Jordan Mills (30).
Chris Spinella added 27 but it was Tim Grant who anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 41, to secure the win.
“It was a bit of a different role for (Tim). Sahil Sharma came in at the top and got us off to a fast start, which meant he came in at No.3,” Freebairn said.
“He showed his versatility at the top of the order and, even though he’s known as more of a grafter, played with some real power.”
The early-season wet weather saw Round 4 games rescheduled to Sunday.
St Bernard travelled to Caulfield for the second leg of the weekend’s double-header but weren’t able to back up Saturday’s display.
Conor McGuire removed Fielders dangerman Graeme Rummans for 27 but the wickets were few and far between after that as Caulfield amassed 6-226.
In reply the Snowdogs were in early trouble, falling to 2-27 before Mills (77) and Chris Spinella (59) put together a 94-run partnership.
However, a middle order collapse saw St Bernards bowled out for 204 and a 22-run loss.
Round 3’s clash against Oakleigh has been moved to Saturday, November 30.