VSDCA runs record in sight for Spotswood batsman Lachlan McKenna after he made 114

An all-time VSDCA runs record is in sight for a Spotswood star after he blasted his fourth ton of the season, while an Oakleigh paceman took a bag of wickets, Caulfield sizzled and a Willamstown run machine achieved a season-first.

Lachlan McKenna batting for Carlton in 2021. He’s had a golden summer for Spotswood. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Just as he’s done all season, Lachlan McKenna has played a straight bat to suggestions of him breaking the all-time VSDCA runs aggregate record in a season.

The Spotswood star moved to 815 runs for the 2024-25 campaign after making 114 against Hoppers Crossing on Saturday — within sight of Micky Allen’s association record of 957 runs.

“A couple of people have mentioned it to me,’’ McKennsa said of the record on Monday.

“But unless we go deep into finals, I think ‘Tricky’s’ record is pretty safe.”

The former Carlton batsman’s fourth century of the season helped Spotswood to 5-326 against second-placed Hoppers Crossing on the first day of the penultimate round.

Spotswood sits just outside fo the top-six and needs to win both of its last two matches to be a chance to play finals.

“We have two more Saturdays to play well, and hopefully make it,’’ McKenna said.

“If we can get in, I think we will be a tough side to play.”

McKenna and opener Jarrod Martignago (89) came together at 1-5 and shared a 195-run second wicket partnership to set up the bumper total.

Spotty skipper Jakson Knight (64) and No. 5 Declan O’Brien (45) also hit the ball cleanly.

McKenna said his golden summer was “reward for spending time at the crease’’.

“Last year our whole team’s style was to go really hard most of the time but I think this year we needed a player to bat through a bit more so I’ve tried to peg back my run rate, and see enough balls to give myself a chance,’’ he said.

“Luckily enough I’ve been able to capitalise a couple of times.’’

Matthew Grace bends his back for Oakleigh on Saturday. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Oakleigh paceman Matthew Grace toiled manfully in oppressive heat to collect 5-55 off 16.1 overs as the Oaks dismissed Elsternwick for 161. Alex Jones (2-27) and Rahul Surendran (2-35) also made key breakthroughs. For Elsty, Roshan Livera top scored with a defiant 48 not out off 128 balls after going in at 5-48. In reply, Oakleigh reached 0-24 by stumps, on track to consolidate top spot.

Williamstown vice-captain Matthew Dervan raised his bat for his first century of the season, a superb 118 off 223 balls in a total of 8-232 against Werribee. Dervan, who is a multiple All-Australian AFL goal umpire, is up to 471 runs for the season, a chance to go past 500 for the second successive year.

Yarraville skipper Akshat Buch snared 3-44 off 23 overs to help dismiss Melton for 172. Melton opener Ben MacRae made 63 and No. 5 William Chesterman an unbeaten 43 off 94 balls. In reply, Yarraville was 3-47.

Oakleigh fielders await a nick on Saturday. Picture: Andrew Batsch

An Oakleigh fielder takes a diving catch. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Taylors Lakes shot out Moorabbin for 99, with George Sakkas (2-28), Saihaj Jaspal (2-22) and Dhanushka Lahiru Kumara (2-7) doing the damage. In reply, the Lions were 3-79, with Kumara on 30 and Nilan Fernando on 26.

Caulfield dominated Ormond, with Oli Hayes delivering a hostile spell to take 4-9 to flatten the Monders for 97. Jacob Thorne was also outstanding with 3-41 off 15 overs. In reply, Caulfield rushed to 3-152 off 30 overs, a lead of 55 runs. Thorne laced 61 off 49 balls and opener Vinnie Page 46. Ormond’s Oscar Fraser collected 4-54.

Altona’s Rory Medlock captured 4-25 off 10 overs to help dismiss Port Melbourne for 157. Luke Domaschenz was clearly Port’s best performer, making 73 off 95 balls (9 fours, 1 six). In reply, Altona reached 5-70 by stumps, with Domaschenz taking 2-0 from four overs.

Harry Armstrong batted well to make 59 not out as Brighton put up 7-208 against Malvern. Max Tryfonos nabbed 4-74 off 31 overs for the Roosters.