VSDCA: Back-to-back centuries for Ormond star Adam Bull

Ormond run machine Adam Bull credits his preparation — or lack of it — for his sizzling start to the Subbies season.

Adam Bull has peeled off two centuries already this season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

He’s the raging Bull of Subbies cricket.

Ormond opener Adam Bull has peeled off back-to-back centuries to start the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season, and he’s done it with a clear mind and a degree of freshness.

The former Prahran star made 116no against Port Melbourne last week and on Saturday he compiled 103 off 100 balls against Preston to help the Monders go 2-0 in the north-south section.

Bull, 39, says it’s the first time he’s ever scored successive tons and credits a laidback preparation for his crisp form.

“I had a couple of 10 minute hits in the indoor nets pre season and before round one I hadn’t picked up a bat in two weeks,’’ he said.

“It’s probably the worst preparation I’ve had in any season. Anyway, maybe there’s something in it.”

Ormond captain and keeper Ben Speake. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Bull also has a new bat this season, a Masuri, and he says it’s a beauty.

He put it to good use again on Saturday, hitting 10 fours and a six, as Ormond put up 9-231 off 45 overs.

Monders skipper Ben Speake (22) shared a 63-run opening partnership with Bull, while James Wild (31), James Bartholomeusz (27) and No. 10 Nigel Hunt (21no off 17 balls) also helped the Monders to an excellent total.

In reply, Preston suffered a middle order collapse to go from 2-95 to 147 all out, losing its last eight wickets for 52 runs.

Rodney Bird took an early wicket and finished with 3-14 off seven overs, while Tom Buchanan again displayed his match-winning qualities, taking 4-30 off nine overs, plus a run out.

Ormond bowler Tom Buchanan.

Rodney Bird.

Bull has scored 975 runs, at 57.35, for Ormond in just 20 matches since crossing over from Premier Cricket.

Pressed on what’s behind his rich vein of form, he said a sensible approach while batting was paying off.

“I’ve just hit the ball along the ground rather than trying to clear the fence,” he said.

“I actually don’t have a magic wand or a secret recipe for it, it’s just one of those things, I got away pretty good against Port Melbourne and it just carried through to the next week, you’re confident and can hit the ball.

“It’s important not to throw it away. At this level it’s pretty easy to throw it away but the important thing is to just keep batting along.”

As for his new bat, he said he unwrapped it before round one and it hasn’t missed a beat.

“The old bat I’d had for a few years had finally given way on me,” he said.

“I’ve been knocking this new one in while I’ve been battling.”

*The Pearson boys starred in Oakleigh’s resounding win over Ivanhoe. Ryan Pearson blasted 87 at the top of the list as the Oaks amassed 6-265. Will Taylor was also in mint form, making 56no. In reply, Ivanhoe was dismissed for 162, with Blake Pearson taking 4-13 off 4.1 overs after Alexander Jones took 3-25 with the new ball.

*Half centuries by Johnathon Aikins (58) and Dan Forbes (53 off 48 balls) powered Caulfield to a thrilling win over Kew. After Kew skipper Matt Brown made 93 in a score of 5-219, the Fielders rushed to 1-133 before overcoming some hiccups to achieve victory with five balls and three wickets in hand, finishing 7-220 off 44.1 overs. It was the perfect start for new Caulfield coach Lachlan Graf.

*Port Melbourne suffered a heavy loss to Brunswick afcter crashing from 1-46 to be all out for 114, allowing Brunswick to coast to a resounding seven-wicket victory, making 3-116 off 28 overs in reply.

*Malvern suffered a stinging loss to Coburg. The Roosters piled up 3-237, with Tom Rickarby making 88 off 66 balls (3 fours, 7 sixes) and Zac Hines cracking 62no. But it wasn’t enough as Coburg openers Aaron Shellie (103) and Aaron Ayre (64 retired hurt off 40 balls) went ballistic as the visitors surged to victory in only 35 overs, making 5-240.

*Elsternwick skipper Lincoln Edwards made 59 not out to steer his side to victory over Strathmore.

*Brighton thrashed St Bernard’s, with Jack Rutter taking 3-8 to set up the win.