VSDCA 2020-21: Mount Waverley remains in finals hunt

Mount Waverley remains in the hunt for a finals berth in the VSDCA’s South-East group with two weeks remaining – but a major test awaits this weekend.

Mount Waverley’s Mick Millier has had a strong season at the crease.

Mount Waverley remains in the hunt for a finals spot in the VSDCA’s South-East group following its win over Elsternwick on Saturday – but a key test awaits this week.

The home side banked a crucial six points on the weekend as it chased down Elsternwick’s 6/185, posting 7/186 to take the season ledger to 5-6 and seventh position – just a game outside the top six with two weeks remaining.

The much-needed win comes after Mount Waverley’s finals hopes took a hit against top-six outfit Ormond in its last outing where it was knocked over for 127.

Captain-coach Michael Sheedy praised his side’s even contribution with the bat in reply, led by Mick Millier with 47 including seven fours and two sixes, Paul Evans (38, not-out), Nathan Pruscino (36) and Kurt Benjamin (24).

Finals are still alive for Mount Waverley. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“It (finals) is very much in our own hands at the moment – we knew we had to win and coming off a loss the week before to Ormond, we knew we were up against it but we got the win and that was important,” Sheedy said.

“The batting was just consistent across the group and there were a couple of good partnerships that got us over the line.

“Mick’s had a really good year with Nath at the top, and they were very good up front again.

“Nathan got himself in and was the staple for us in the innings and it was really well topped off with Paul Evans with Kurt at the end.”

But despite the strong chase, Sheedy lamented his side had “a lot of work to do with our bowling”, conceding 37 extras including 20 wide deliveries and four no-balls.

Pruscino headed up the home side’s bowling attack taking 2/32 off eight, closely followed by Benjamin with 2/35.

Mount Waverley takes on ladder-leader Oakleigh this week which has only lost one match to date this season.

Sheedy said he was under no illusions of the task at hand and the ramifications of the outcome.

“If you’re going to want to play finals then you’ve got to at least beat someone in the top six – this is our grand final so to speak,” he said.

“We’ll do all we can to prepare well – they’re an unbelievable side with a very good club culture that’s been successful for a long period of time now.

“We’ve got a finals spot on the line so we need to win and we’ll do everything we can to get the six points.”