Strathmore edges Box Hill to claim maiden victory in VSDCA debut

After an off-season switch, Strathmore has made an instant impact in the VSDCA thanks to a pair of swashbuckling performances.

Chanaka Welegedara and Johnny Bassi celebrate a wicket. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Strathmore made a winning start to life in the VSDCA on Saturday, edging Box Hill by five wickets.

Two of Subbies’ four new clubs made a winning start with Spotswood defeating fellow newcomer Port Melbourne, while Donvale went down to Croydon.

The Mores made the move from the VTCA and wasted no time picking up a maiden victory, chasing down the Mustangs’ 6-210 with three overs to spare.

“It was a great effort, it wasn’t our best performance, but it was good to get the rust off and finally get into it,” skipper John Bassi said.

“Box Hill were a good test, the game was up and down the whole way though, so it was good to come out on top in the end.

Strathmore captain Johnny Bassi. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Wicketkeeper Sam Dukic in action for Strathmore. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“We wanted to set the tone early in the piece.

“Winning the first game in a new competition was certainly something we focused on, especially after the disappointment of how we finished last year.”

Strathmore were in early trouble at 2-13 but Chris Williams and Luke Bassi were the heroes in the chase at Syd McGann Oval.

Barnstorming opener Williams brutalised the Mustangs attack, scoring 71 from just 45 balls, including 11 fours and a six.

Bassi picked the perfect time to produce his maiden senior half-century, finishing unbeaten on 56 and putting together a 89-run partnership with wicketkeeper Sam Dukic (30 not out) to seal victory.

Bassi was also the Mores’ leading bowler, snaring 2-20, including the wicket of Box Hill skipper and top-scorer Tom Newman (59).

Lucas Kennedy also made critical contributions with bat and ball, snaring 2-25 before smashing 34 runs off 26 ball.

“It was coming on nicely and the ground was pretty quick, so we thought they left probably 50 runs out there and we were a really good chance,” John Bassi said.

Box Hill’s captain Tom Newman gets bowled by Sam Duggan. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Chanaka Welegedara in action for Strathmore. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“Chris was thinking about having shoulder surgery but we managed to convince him to play for us again.

“He backed himself, played his natural attacking game, and it came off yesterday. I think we were 2-13 and then we were 2-100 not long after.

“It gave us a really good platform and we could cruise, we’ve got some young guys that spent some time at the crease, which is good for their confidence.

“Everyone can see, from training and the games he’s played in the ones, Luke’s certainly got the talent.

“It’s about getting the opportunity and putting those performances in and he got the chance to do that yesterday.”

Strathmore secured the return of former Sri Lanka Test paceman Chanaka Welegedara in the off-season and he’s had a big impact on the club’s young bowlers.

The Mores debuted 17-year-old Sam Duggan, who dismissed dangerous opener Kyle Rayner for 43.

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“Chanaka’s fantastic, we know what we’re going to get from him every week,” Bassi said.

“He sets the tone with the ball, I think his first over was nearly a maiden, and he’s great to have not only for his bowling but his leadership.

“We had Sam Duggan making his debut yesterday, a 17-year-old kid, and to have Chanaka there supporting him was really important.”

Strathmore face the long trek out to Noble Park this weekend to face the Bulls coming off a loss to Brunswick.