VSDCA 2018-19: Coburg claims first win of season over Balwyn

COBURG captain Zac Thorne has praised the improvement of middle-order batsman Mitchell Shellie after he guided the club to a breakthrough VSDCA win over Balwyn.

Mitchell Shellie guided Coburg to its first win of the VSDCA season on Saturday.

COBURG captain Zac Thorne has praised the improvement of middle-order batsman Mitchell Shellie after he guided the club to a breakthrough VSDCA win over Balwyn.

Shellie was unbeaten on 41 from 44 balls when the Burgers reeled in their target of 9-162, claiming the first win of Thorne’s reign as skipper.

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After falling cheaply twice in Round 1, Shellie peeled off scores of 74 and 41 not out in successive games in a truer reflection of his talent.

“Mitchell Shellie is in terrific form at the moment,” Thorne said.

“He’s starting to turn a corner in terms of his batting. He can score really freely.

“He’s got a dynamic style of play and his last two weeks have been really good for us.”

Shellie showed maturity to lead Coburg out of trouble after an inspired spell from Balwyn captain Steve Duckworth had the Round 3 contest in the balance.

Mitchell Shellie and Stuart Rudge celebrate a wicket.

Duckworth took 3-9 from nine overs as the Burgers slumped from 0-61 to 4-77 after a patient start from openers Javed Bolim (31 from 61 balls) and Liam Richardson (22 from 57).

Shellie and Shane Lee (17 from 12) counterattacked after Duckworth’s spell ended, setting the scene for Darren Scott to blast Coburg to victory with 32 from 16 deliveries.

“The game was slightly on edge a little bit,” Thorne said.

“If we lost another wicket at that point, the pump comes on a little bit.

“But they took the game away and put the icing on the cake really quickly.”

Medium-pacer Stuart Rudge (3-19) and recalled opening bowler Jordan Ashby (2-22) were key figures with the ball.

The Burgers prevailed with more than seven overs to spare, staying in touch with the North-East group top six after a five-wicket triumph.

“It goes to show how important percentage can be as you progress through the year as well for pinching those last couple of spots,” Thorne said.

“We’re mindful of that. We’re not in a great position percentage-wise at the moment but we’re working towards it and I think this win will just give the side a hell of a lot of belief and confidence we can match it with good sides.”

Coburg next takes on Bayswater in a one-day fixture this weekend.

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