St Kilda’s Michael De Iacovo hits maiden Premier century

After five tons in the Second XI the dashing right-hander broke through for three figures for St Kilda’s First XI.

Michael De Iacovo defends to cover during his century against Ringwood. Pic: Mike Owen, St Kilda CC

It was a typically dashing innings.

In all other respects Michael De Iacovo’s maiden century was a long time in the making.

The right-hander is in his fourth season at St Kilda, having followed coach Glenn Lalor from South Caulfield and before that Bentleigh Uniting.

He’s been in and out of the First XI, his selection boiling down to the availability of state players.

De Iacovo, 27, has made five tons in the Second XI, indicating he’s a top-team cricketer.

But he’s a Saints man from head to toe and rides the selectorial bumps.

“When the big boys come in, it’s pretty hard to cement your spot, especially being a batter,’’ he said.

“You’ve got four Vic boys coming back and then ‘Crossy’ (captain Adam Crosthwaite) is there as well.

Michael De Iacovo relaxes in the rooms after his ton.

“It’s tough going but the culture’s incredible, and I don’t think I’ll ever leave. It’s one of those things. You wear the colours true. Love the club, love the boys, love the old boys. The rooms themselves are incredible. A lot history there. A pretty proud sort of club. Great to be a part of it and what’s happening this season. Exciting times.’’

On Saturday De Iacovo blitzed 136 off only 114 balls to lead the Saints to an imposing 6-320 in the Round 3 match at Ringwood.

He cracked 16 fours and 6 sixes, achieving one of his goals going into the season, ticking into three figures for the firsts.

“It was just one of those things. It was my day. It came off pretty well,’’ he said. “I settled myself down with (No 3) Jonathan Merlo coming to the crease, a good level head coming and calming me down a bit, made me push those singles around the ground a little bit more instead of going for the big shots.’’

He brought up his century with a single down the ground.

After De Iacovo was dismissed Ben Davies ensured there was no respite for the Rams, racing to 59 not out off 53 balls, with 2 fours and two sixes.

The home team fell for 91 in the reply, quickie Henty Thornton capturing 5-15 off eight overs and Josh Bartlett 3-18 off five.

Michael De Iacovo comes off after his hand of 136.

Thornton has 11 wickets for three matches as he strives to catch the attention of the Victorian selectors.

With his pace he’s certainly taken the eye of a few former Saints.

De Iacovo said Lalor had been a big influence on his career. He said their relationship was love-hate.

“Look, we don’t see eye-to-eye all the time and I think a lot of people know that,’’ he said.

“It’s one of those things. It’s just a love-hate relationship. But whatever he says is how it goes. Yeah, he’s a hard egg to crack. But it’s a really good motivation for when you stuff-up. Yeah, he’s hard but I love it. I thrive on it.’’

The Saints are unbeaten after three rounds.