VSDCA 2020-21: Hoppers Crossing and Williamstown to fight for finals spot

We explain the state of play in the VSDCA’s North-West group after Hoppers Crossing upset Plenty Valley in Round 12.

Hoppers Crossing celebrates a wicket during its big win on Saturday. Picture: Steve Tanner

Hoppers Crossing and Williamstown will face off in a final-round blockbuster to decide who will contest Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association finals.

The Cats claimed their best win of 2020-21 on Saturday to keep their season alive, toppling North-West group flag contender Plenty Valley by 48 runs away from home.

The sixth-placed Seagulls’ loss to Brunswick left them on 42 points after 12 rounds, while seventh-placed Hoppers Crossing has accumulated 39 points.

It means the winner of next weekend’s clash at Hogans Road Reserve will earn the right to join Kew, Brunswick, Plenty Valley, Werribee and Preston in the finals.

The Cats have been absent from finals for the past four summers, last qualifying in 2015-16, and have overcome the departure of former captain-coach Jack Rhodes to push for a top-six berth.

They will enter the match in winning form and with the advantage of playing at home, while Williamstown has dropped its past two fixtures to leave the door ajar.

Jeremy Swan bends his back for Hoppers Crossing. Picture: Steve Tanner

“You look at the fixture and how games might pan out … and start to look a little bit forward without getting too carried away. But in the back of my mind, I thought it might come down to this last game,” Hoppers Crossing director of coaching Steve Frenkel said.

“It’s set up to be a cracking match between two sides who have had some history over the last four or five years in terms of competitiveness.

“Both sides have a chance to take that finals spot, and for us it would be the first time since our inaugural year (in the VSDCA).”

Knowing defeat would end their season, the Cats performed strongly under pressure to conquer a higher-ranked opponent for the first time this campaign.

They defended their total of 9-183 with aplomb as Plenty Valley was rolled for 135.

“The boys set themselves during the week … obviously knowing a win was crucial,” Frenkel said.

“There was a real desire to say, ‘If we’re playing finals, we need to beat a side like Plenty Valley.’

“As a result, we went in with a lot of confidence and really took it up to them.

“They came out with a real positivity and renewed energy.”

Opener Chris Henry (78) and No.3 Mason Frenkel (35) laid the foundations with a 125-run stand for the second wicket after their team won the toss.

Chris Henry stood tall at the top of the order for the Cats. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“(Henry’s) knock was real calculated but also attacking,” Steve Frenkel said.

“Mason played a really good supporting role.”

Bhaumik Jani led the way with the ball, collecting 4-17 from eight overs, including the key scalp of Plenty Valley star Callum Nankervis for 39.

The haul lifted Jani’s season tally to 19 wickets at 11.5 apiece.

Skipper Trent Said (2-15), Brett Smith (2-29), Gopesh Bhutani (1-23) and Jeremy Swan (1-27) were the other wicket-takers.

Elsewhere, Brunswick (9-175) beat Williamstown (136) by 39 runs, while ladder-leader Kew (6-268) thumped Ivanhoe (59).

Altona skipper Adam Yates (89 not out and 6-10) delivered a memorable all-round performance in his team’s 89-run win over Coburg.

Adam Yates was in fine form with bat and ball for Altona. Picture: Hamish Blair

Preston (7-177) prevailed in a tight clash with Melton (175), Werribee (156) proved too strong for St Bernard’s (9-117) and Yarraville (4-103) outclassed winless Taylors Lakes (101).