VSDCA 2020-21: Shaun Dean hits century for Werribee in win over Ivanhoe

One of Werribee’s leading performers hit his fifth First XI century as his team scored its first win of the VSDCA season.

Shaun Dean spearheaded Werribee’s win over Ivanhoe. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Star batsman Shaun Dean delivered a masterclass to spearhead Werribee’s emphatic victory in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association on Saturday.

Dean batted through the innings to compile an unbeaten 110 from 118 balls against Ivanhoe at Chirnside Park, hitting eight boundaries and a six.

It was the gun right-hander’s fifth First XI century for the Tigers as he led them to their first win of the North-West group season.

Werribee posted 5-207 from its 40 overs, with captain-coach Tim O’Brien contributing a run-a-ball 29 and Matt Dean 28.

Ivanhoe reached 9-158 in response and never threatened the home side.

O’Brien heaped praise on the century-maker, who has been one of the competition’s leading batsmen for a long time.

Shaun Dean also hammered a half-century in the opening round of the season.

“He batted really well,” O’Brien said.

“He batted with intent early and once they pushed the field back he got his ones, twos and the odd boundary.

“I don’t think he gave a chance in his hundred, so it was a great knock.

“If you’ve got someone at the top of the order that bats most of the overs and can score with other people, it can set you up for the games.

“He’s had a good start to the season for us.”

Jonathan Burton put Ivanhoe on the back foot with the new ball, removing James Galloway (0) and Raza Rizwan (3) to reduce the visitors to 2-8.

Burton sent down his eight overs in the powerplay, returning 2-15 with four maidens.

Simon Heather (58) and Brad Loveluck (34) offered some resistance, but it wasn’t enough.

Mathew Palmer (3-32) and Michael Kelly (1-32) were the Tigers’ other wicket-takers.

“After he (Burton) finished his spell, they needed seven an over after the powerplay,” O’Brien said.

“It was always going to be a big ask after his efforts.

“It set us up scoring over 200 with the bat, which is always a good score at Chirnside.

“It’s always a hard chasing ground, so we knew if we bowled and fielded well it was going to be a pretty good target.”

Werribee is 1-1 after a seven-run loss to reigning premier Williamstown in Round 1.

O’Brien said his side made some changes following the defeat as it adjusts to 40-over fixtures.

“We spoke about a few things during the week to focus on 40-over cricket, and I think it paid off,” he said.

The Tigers will next tackle Altona away from home in Round 3.