VSDCA 2021-22: ‘Finals start now’, Balwyn coach declares ahead of huge clash

Balwyn sits just outside the VSDCA North/East top six ahead of a ‘massive’ clash with an in-form Croydon this weekend...

Balwyn is under no illusions its season is on the line as it prepares for a crunch-game against an in-form Croydon this week.

The Tigers posted a second consecutive victory on Saturday with a 58-run win over Bayswater, to sit just outside the top six in eighth spot with a 6-4 record.

They’ve won three of their past four matches and must win to stay in touch with the top six.

Balwyn’s run home after the fifth-placed Cockies on Saturday features Endeavour Hills (second), Mount Waverley (10th), Brunswick (11th) and Strathmore (third).

Harman Hundel batting for Balwyn last Saturday. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“Our finals probably start right about now,” Balwyn coach Clinton Kennon said.

“We spoke about it last week – every side’s above us now. We now need to keep beating sides above us … there’s the challenge for us.

“This (week) is the classic 12-point game – we lose this, we fall 12 points behind them (Croydon), and if we win it I think we’re back on even points.

“They’re in really good form. It’s a massive contest and we always have a good contest with Croydon. They’re good with the batting (and) one of the better bowling attacks … that’s where predominantly our starts have been really good.”

The Tigers put on 130 at the crease on Saturday before knocking Bayswater over for 72. Vihaan Narayana led the way with the bat with 30 runs off 28 balls, while Dom Greene cleaned up the Waters’ tail-end, as he finished with 4-7 off 4.1 overs.

Kennon pointed to skipper Lachie Fitzpatrick (1-6 off nine overs) as he set the tone early, while Harry Dixon took 2-13 off six.

“Lachie was outstanding – he put them on the back foot straight away,” Kennon said.

“The 30 from Vihaan at the top was outstanding, Tom Audley (23 off 55) keeps his form going in the middle, and then the complete bowling performance … they were brilliant – sharp in the field and I think every bowler that had ball in hand just bowled beautiful line and length and just strangled them.”

The Tigers are expected to welcome back top-order bat Christian Toppi for Saturday’s game, who has missed the past two matches.

“We feel like we’re getting our best team on the park,” Kennon said.

“We’ve dropped two games that we should’ve won this year, but we’ve also beaten Coburg and St Bernard’s which if you look at the ladder now, have become great wins.

“It’s a mental thing, they should be prepared to be playing some really strong cricket (in the run home), and (if they) keep playing like they are, they can have some March action if they keep controlling what they’re doing.”