Strathmore ends its VSDCA North-West losing streak, defeating Coburg
Strathmore is finally on the board in 2023-24, securing its first win with a thrilling chase against Coburg, thanks to a gift from the club’s birthday boy.
Local Sport
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It was Cameron Pennyfeather’s birthday on Saturday but he was the one giving the gift.
The West Indian produced the decisive knock to deliver Strathmore’s first win of the VSDCA North-West season and break the club’s losing streak.
The Mores’ four-wicket win over Coburg ends a 19-game skid, dating back to last season.
Pennyfeather (68 off 77 balls), together with Luke Bassi (45), helped Strathmore chase down Coburg’s 5-208 with three overs to spare at Coburg City Oval.
Mores leader Omar Phillips said he could tell Pennyfeather was a man on a mission.
“It started with Matt West and Isaac Dukic, they gave us a fantastic start, and it gave us the hope and energy,” Phillips said.
“We know Cam is a lot better but he hasn’t any success or luck with the bat but you could see he was a man determined, especially on his birthday. It was fitting for him.
“We’d been so close so many times, it was a great day.
“We had a function on and the supporters just wanted to see the boys do well.
“We know we have a very young group but they’ve been coming every week, coming to training and putting in the work, and I knew we weren’t far off a win.”
After winning the toss and batting, Coburg captain Aaron Shellie was in ominous form before falling agonisingly short of a century, out for 93 from 102 balls.
Will Archer scored an unbeaten half-century, 53 not out, but the Lions had few other contributors.
Jack Merzel was Strathmore’s best with the ball, claiming 2-38, including the key wicket of Shellie, while Pennyfeather also took 1-42.
In reply, Dukic and West got the Mores off to a strong start with a 51-run opening partnership.
The visitors found themselves in trouble at 3-79 before Bassi and Pennyfeather came together to turn the match with a 114-run stand.
Pennyfeather was run out with just five runs to get and Merzel fell one run behind but Owen Thompson hit the winning runs to spark the celebrations.
Phillips was proud of the performance and said the subdued celebrations, with a game against Brunswick the following day, was a sign of the group’s maturity.
“A lack of experience hadn’t gotten us over the line but we made a vow to give it a real crack (on Saturday),” he said.
“We’ve got two very young boys, Hayden McDonald and Nick Staropoli, one is 16 or 17 and one is a bit older.
“They’ve been showing up, they love the battle and love learning, so the club is in a good position to move forward.
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“The young boys were all gee’d up with the banter that Coburg was throwing around, it gave us that little bit of spark.
“For me, it was pleasing how they responded after, they didn’t get carried away and go over the top and have too much fun that night and then struggle today.”
Kevin Noronha was Coburg’s best with the ball, claiming 3-44.
Strathmore is now three points behind Melton in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
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