The 20 players who will decide the VSDCA south-east premiership

With five rounds of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket south-east season remaining, we identify the 20 most influential players on the run to the finals.

The pointy end of the season is approaching.

With five rounds of the VSDCA south-east season remaining, it’s time to identify the 20 most influential players on the run to the finals.

These men are likely to decide the 2023 premiership.

Akshay Ballal, Mt Waverley

The former Indian first-class batter made an eye-catching start with his new club, peeling off 112 in Round 1. He cracked another ton (110) in Round 6 and has 439 runs, at 54, with more to come. Also has seven wickets.

Ormond star Rodney Bird. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Rodney Bird, Ormond

The heart-and-soul bowler rarely wavers from his consistency but his ability to take early wickets could change a final. Bird has 16 wickets at 14.94 this season and majority have been top-order scalps.

Oliver Birts, Elsternwick

The left-arm orthodox spinner from the UK announced himself with a seven-wicket haul against Noble Park in Round 2 and has so far snared 25 wickets, at 12.8.

Peter Cassidy, Brighton

The Tonners’ spearhead has enjoyed another brilliant summer, collecting 23 wickets at just 10.3. Cassidy is economical and when he takes wickets, he tends to take them in clusters.

Ricky Damiano, Brighton

Damiano has had a stranglehold on the Subbies competition for some time, so his place on this list is rather unsurprising. The speed in which he typically scores can turn a final in the matter of overs. After 10 rounds, the champion batter has 336 runs at 56.

Bowlers will never feel comfortable bowling to Brighton star Ricky Damiano. (Photo/Julian Smith)

Lincoln Edwards, Elsternwick

The Eels skipper has led from the front, racking up 303 runs, at 75, highlighted by a brilliant 139 against fellow flag contender Noble Park. Elsternwick is sitting on top as it attempts to snap a 105-year premiership drought.

and Balwyn’s Lachlan Fitzpatrick bowling. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Lachlan Fitzpatrick, Balwyn

The Balwyn skipper has had an almost season with bat and ball, showing snippets of his capabilities with both without really tearing a game open. A complete performance from the talented all-rounder could be the difference between his side making or missing the top six.

Dom Greene, Balwyn

Greene has been the pick of Balwyn’s bowlers this summer with 18 wickets at 14.78. On the five occasions he’s taken multiple wickets this year, the batting side has not made in excess of 185.

Janaka Liyanabadalge, Noble Park

The former Sri Lankan first-class player is starting to run into some serious form, with scores of 82no and 62, and regular wickets, in recent matches. The reigning Holten medallist will have a big say in the finals.

Lewis O’Donnell, Port Melbourne

The Scottish all-rounder bowls at a good clip and has been a great pick up, taking 24;wickets, at 15, and scoring handy runs down the order as the Borough have emerged as a finals smoky.

Dasun Opanayaka, Elsternwick

The Eels all-rounder often holds the game in his hand across both innings through his ability to rip a game open with bat and ball. He hasn’t fired on all cylinders yet but will create carnage in the finals if he does.

Noble Park batter Sahan Perera. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Sahan Perera, Noble Park

The stylish left-hander has taken the Subbies comp by storm, leading the VSDCA runs chart with 526, at 65, with scores of 103, 121no, 92, 81 and 54. Has all the shots and particularly savage on anything short, often dispatching it for six. Bowlers covet the wicket of the ex-Dandenong star, who has also taken 21 wickets.

Glen Parker, Brighton

Parker has had a phenomenal summer, leading the competition for wickets while simultaneously being just as dangerous with the bat. With 25 wickets at 10.72 and 315 runs at 35, teams are finding it hard to keep the Brighton star out of the game.

Tom Rickarby, Malvern

The Malvern skipper is chipping away at a terrific season. He’s only batted six times but he’s reached 50 or more in three of those innings. If the Roosters are to book their ticket to the finals, it’ll likely be off the back of more Rickarby runs.

Tom Rickarby looks to drive. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Josh Rymell, Caulfield

The 22-year-old Englishman has opened the batting for Essex with England legend Sir Alastair Cook and is starting to hit his straps for Caulfield. His 104 off 84 balls against Bayswater contained 7 sixes and 4 fours, and some of the cleanest hitting witnessed at Caulfield.

Zac Sleeman, Ormond

Sleeman has had a stand-out summer for the Monders, accumulating 315 runs at a nudge under 50. 289 of those runs have come once he’s past 18, meaning bowling teams need to get him out early before he goes big.

Caulfield keeper James Small. Picture: Valeriu Campan

James Small, Caulfield

Caulfield’s wicket keeping-captain has had a faultless year with the gloves, holding onto a competition-best 20 dismissals. He’s also had a quietly reliable year with the bat, taking the Fielders to where they need to be with four not outs at the back end of the innings.

Jason Soames, Brighton

One of only three batters in the competition to score over 400 runs this season, the UK right-hander can open the innings or slot in at No.5, seemingly comfortable against pace and spin. Sure to add to his four half-centuries.

Jacob Thorne, Caulfield

The champion is a four-time premiership player, and could be on track to add to that record. He has been in cracking form this season, scoring his 10th century for Caulfield in Round 10. With 376 runs, at 62, and 18 wickets, at 9.4, he holds the key — and ominously for rivals he looks to be in career-best form.

Jacob Thorne batting for Caulfield. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Finn Usher, Elsternwick

The Eels opening batter has been a model of consistency with 263 runs, at 37. Also looms as an important contributor with the ball as the intensity goes up in finals.