Victorian Turf Cricket Association claims commanding win over Dandenong District

A stunning Sam Crea bowling performance has helped deliver the Victorian Turf Cricket Association a comfortable win over cross-town rival Dandenong District.

VTCA coaches Mick Andriadis and Duncan Harrison with man-of-the-match Sam Crea and captain Mitch Johnstone.

The “bolter” had the ball hooping around on Saturday morning.

Victorian Turf Cricket Association paceman Sam Crea almost single-handedly demolished cross-town rival Dandenong District in the pre-Christmas representative match at Hansen Reserve.

The former St Kilda and Essendon paceman, who currently plays for Division 2 club Grand United, finished with figures of 6-17 from eight overs – removing six of the top seven bats.

It’s the VTCA’s second cross-town representative victory in the space of 12 months.

The DDCA had no answers for Crea’s pace and swing, collapsing to 6-24.

Sam Crea in action for Grand United. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Jeevan Mendis in action for Narre South. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It only got worse, falling to 9-37, before former Sri Lanka international Jeevan Mendis (Narre South) launched a counter-attack, smashing an unbeaten 58 from 55 balls, including three boundaries and four sixes.

Crea, who has 17 wickets in six matches, said he had no doubts he could perform at the level.

“We spoke before the game about, playing in a game like this, it’s imperative we showcase our skills and how strong a comp we have,” Crea said.

“Usually we start at 12.30-1pm, so starting at 10.30am – it wasn’t overcast – but it wasn’t as hot and the wicket hadn’t dried out so the conditions were in my favour.

“These are the best in the Dandenong association so I’m quite happy with my performance, winning is a big thing for me.

“I do play Division 2 but I’ve put a lot of work into my cricket over the last 10 years to know I’m capable of doing that at his level.

“(Grand United) is 5-0 going into Christmas on top, we know a lot can change after Christmas but we’re in a good place and we’ve got a good group of young guys who are sticking together and we’re finding ways to win.”

Crea was twice on a hat-trick, removing Raveen Nanayakkara (St Mary’s) and Callum Nicholls (North Dandenong) in the first over of the match before knocking over Jake Cronin (Buckley Ridges) and Bailey Howarth (Dandenong West) with consecutive balls shortly after.

Springvale South bowler Jarryd Straker. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Donovan Pell in action for Westmeadows. Picture: George Sal

Captain Mitch Johnstone cleaned up the tail to finish with 3-20.

Chasing a small total, the VTCA lost Sydenham-Hillside’s Ishan Peiris early at 1-5.

However, a clinical 91-run partnership between Hashan Wanasekara (Deer Park) and Donovan Pell (Westmeadows) all but put the game to bed.

Both fell short of half-centuries, Wanasekara (44) and Pell (46), as the VTCA suffered a 3-1 mini collapse.

However, Dylan Knight (16 not out, Sydenham-Hillside) saw the VTCA home by five wickets in the 21st over.

Johnstone said the likes of Wanasekara and Pell relished the opportunity.

“The conditions got better as the day progressed, we got the best of them in fairness,” Johnstone said.

“Pelly keeps on keeping on, he’s had a good start to the season with Westmeadows, and Hashan was really impressive too – those guys had a bit of a licence to polish it off as quick as they could.

“Hashan has made more than 1000 runs in the last two years and Pelly’s played 100 games for Carlton, it just goes to show the strength of the competition.”

While he and Crea didn’t cross paths at Essendon, Johnstone was in awe of his performance.

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“I was looking forward to seeing first-hand how capable he is,” Johnstone said.

“One of the best spells of bowling against quality opposition too, left-arm in-swing at pace is always hard to hard to deal with.”

Springvale South’s Jarryd Straker was the pick of the Dandenong District bowlers, finishing with 3-18 from 4.3 overs.

The VTCA will return to action in the new year on January 6.