VSDCA 2023-24: Bayswater’s Brodie Richardson blasts unbeaten 103 in upset of Noble Park

Bayswater’s Brodie Richardson raised the bat as his side upset a finals-bound Noble Park in the VSDCA’s South-East group on Saturday.

Brodie Richardson raises the bat after 103 not out in his side’s upset of Noble Park. Picture: Bayswater CC

It was a maiden ton for a Bayswater teen as he spearheaded his side to an upset victory.

Nineteen-year-old Brodie Richardson blasted an unbeaten 103 as the Waters knocked over ladder-leader Noble Park by six wickets in the VSDCA’s South-East group on Saturday.

The all-rounder drove 12 boundaries including two sixes off 189 balls of his side’s declared 4-176, as Noble Park fell for 135 in the two-day bout.

“He had a good little partnership with Sachin Halangode where he scored quite heavily and he kept going,” Bayswater captain-coach Jason Kilby said.

“When we passed them (Noble Park), he was on mid-80s and I think the right thing to do was to give him the opportunity to make that hundred and I think the Noble Park guys even agreed that it was fair.

“It’s a big personal milestone in a team game, but for someone his age, I was so happy for him after the amount of work he’s put in.”

Crossing from Dandenong ahead of this season, Richardson has 383 runs at an average of 29.46, including 53 in Round 2.

The leg-spinner has also claimed 16 wickets a 24.44.

“The big thing for a young bloke his age is he’s improved a lot,” Kilby said.

“He’s taken on a lot of feedback and worked on his game and it’s great to see him getting results for all that hard work.

“He’s a young fella that obviously still has a lot to learn, he has a heap of potential and he’s had a super year already.”

Michael Topp fired with 4-45 off 18.5 overs, taking his season haul to 22 after joining the club in November.

Kilby said the former Premier quick’s influence had been invaluable.

“He’s obviously played such a high level so to get those insights from him and for our guys to learn off him has been amazing,” he said.

“He’s tested all the batters out in the comp and you’ll see the games he’s played, we’ve challenged or won every game.”

Kilby said Saturday’s victory couldn’t be understated.

“To roll the top side in 57 overs was just amazing,” he said.

“We know that Janaka (Liyanbadalge), their captain, didn’t play, but we knew it was still going to be a big job.

“It’s huge for the group, as a club we had four wins (on Saturday) and I think that could be the first time since 2019 from what a few of the guys have said.

“It just helps with the belief, we had a tough period there, but we’ve got the talent.

“To have that belief that we can compete with the good sides is huge.”