VSDCA: Six-hitting blitz as Malvern, Yarraville and Williamstown bank wins in south-west section

A six-hitting onslaught by a Test player fired Malvern to a stunning win, while Yarraville and Williamstown celebrated upset wins in VSDCA south-west section. Here are the Round 11 talking points.

Luke Medlock on the attackfor Altona. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Brutal batting backed up clinical bowling as Malvern secured its eighth win in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s south-west section on Saturday.

The Roosters rolled Port Melbourne for 151 and then took only 26 overs to charge to victory, with Zimbabwe Test player Solomon Mire blasting four sixes on his way to 56 off 34 balls (also with 6 fours).

Mire’s clean hitting was supported by his opening partner Nick Taylor (43no) and skipper Tom Rickarby (40 off 44) as Malvern rushed to 3-153, consolidating second spot.

Taylor went past 400 runs for the season.

There was a scary moment in the match when umpire Ian Wyatt, at square leg, took a heavy blow from the ball. An ambulance was called but Wyatt appeared to recover and was in good spirits.

Earlier, Malvern’s bowlers put the clamps on Port’s batters, with Gloucestershire left-arm orthodox spinner Max Tryfonos taking 3-19, Will Beattie 3-28 and Sam Hunt 3-37.

Solomon Mire batting for Zimbabwe.

TIGERS STAY ALIVE

Werribee continued its push for a finals berth with a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Taylors Lakes on the back of a promising bowling display. Skipper Tim O’Brien took 3-26 off eight overs as the Lions were all out for 127 inside 43 overs. The Tigers made light work of the run chase as Adam Alifraco (40), Matthew Burton (43) and Ryan Alifraco (37) guided their side across the line.

MEDLOCK IN MINT FORM

Altona tightened its grip on a place in the top-six with a 52-run win over lowly Melton. Luke Medlock equalled his best score of the season with the bat, finishing with 71 off 67 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) as his side was all out for 176. Adam Yates produced his best bowling performance of the season with 5-28 off nine to help have Melton all out for 126.

EAGLES STUN TONNERS

Yarraville caused the boilover of the round, inflicting only the second defeat of the season on competition leaders Brighton. Eagles skipper Josh Hahnel made 62 off 103 balls in a total of 9-189 to set up victory, before Tejas Hari (2-29) and Ashish Mathew (2-35) produced decisive bowling spells as Brighton was dismissed for 176. Charles Dowling played a lone hand for Brighton with 76 off 98 balls (9 fours, 1 six).

Josh Hahnel.

WILLY PEVAILS AFTER WOBBLES

Williamstown upset Caulfield in a match of top-order batting collapses. Caulfield batted first and crashed to 4-16 before posting 120. Mason King (2-15), Daniel Popa (2-23) and Fraser Hay (2-28) made early strikes. In reply, Willy lost both openers for ducks to be 2-1 but a resolute 59no off 101 balls by Matthew Dervan and 45 by Brent Hodges helped them recover and achieve victory in the 40th over, making 4-122.

CATS IN CONTROL

Hoppers Crossing opening bowler Harshit Takkar took 4-26 as the Cats shot out Moorabbin for 108. In reply, Hoppers Crossing coasted to victory, with skipper Simon Lambert peeling off 57no and Shijit Chandran Poovathingal 40no as the Cats hurried to 1-109 in 21.5 overs.

OAKS HOME IN THRILLER

Oakleigh consolidated third spot with a gritty win over Spotswood. Bowling straight and fast, Rahul Surendran took 4-33 off 9 overs to help restrict Spotty to 9-171 off their 45 overs. In reply, Oakleigh made a solid start with Nathan Harford (39), Ned Bailey (24) and Jack Clark (27) helping the side to 2-99 before a slight wobble saw the Oaks under the pump at 8-155. Matthew Grace (18no) and Alexander Jones (11no) guided Oakleigh to victory with 17 balls to spare.

ELSTY UP TO FIFTH

Elsternwick climbed to fifth spot after beating Ormond, with Elsty star LJ Edwards making 65 before a bizarre dismissal.