VSDCA: Half-century from James Pearson helps Brunswick reach 200 in Subbies clash against Balwyn

Three of Brunswick’s most experienced players helped rescue a sinking innings against Balwyn before David McKay grabbed two late wickets to give his side control of the VSDCA clash.

Balwyn players celebrate a wicket. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Balwyn teenage quick Flynn Maguire gave a glimpse of his exciting talent after slicing his way through Brunswick’s top order on Saturday.

The 16-year-old claimed 3-42, including the prized scalp of Justin Lampard, from 12 overs in just his second First XI game as Brunswick slumped to 6-50 on a juicy A.G Gillon Oval wicket.

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Balwyn captain Steve Duckworth said Maguire’s opening spell was among the best he had seen in the VSDCA since joining the competition ahead of the 2016-17 season.

1st XI finish the day on 2/22 chasing 201 for victory

— Balwyn Cricket Club (@BalwynCC) December 8, 2018

862 runs from the One's, Two's & Three's today.
See the results from the day thanks to Priceline Pharmacy Brunswick West: https://t.co/hFR0U6lePj pic.twitter.com/SEiGRlSLah

— Brunswick CC (@BrunswickCC1) December 8, 2018

“I reckon it mirrored the standard of either First XI or Second XI Premier Cricket, that’s how good it was,” Duckworth said.

“He bowled with great pace and to get out Lampard, who’s a serious cricketer, is a nice little feather in his cap but he bowled with great pace and great control.”

Maguire was one of four teenagers in Balwyn’s side, with Nick Crawford, Harris Carlin and Douglas Warren also yet to complete their VCE studies.

Duckworth said Maguire, also a talented footballer, would be capable of making the move to Premier Cricket next summer.

“From kids I’ve seen so far, he’s right up there,” he said.

“He comes quite high, he’s got some good bounce in him and he’s just a good kid wanting to learn as much as he can each time he bowls.”

From 6-50, the experienced trio David McKay, Leigh Brennan and James Pearson arrested the slide to take Brunswick to 200 before it was bowled out in the 61st over.

Karl Mayne on the drive. Picture: Mark Dadswell/AAP

McKay crunched 5 sixes in his knock of 42, off just 24 deliveries, while Brennan (32) and Pearson put on 81 for the eighth wicket to give their side the advantage.

Pearson hammered an unbeaten 73 from just 93 deliveries, including 7 fours and 4 sixes, before McKay grabbed the wickets of Guy Looker and Crawford to have Balwyn 2-22 at stumps.

Duckworth said the game was “up for grabs”.

“If we bat time and bat well enough, give ourselves the full 80 overs, hopefully we’ll knock off the runs,” he said.

“I think the key is probably the first hour. If we cannot lose any wickets and take in a bit of the heat then we’ll look to have wickets in the back end of the day and see how we go from there.”