VSDCA: Spotswood beats Brighton to climb to top spot

Spotswood has long punched above its weight. Now the proud club is having stunning success in its first season in Subbies.

Spotswood has met every challenge head-on in its first season in the VSDCA. Picture: Spotswood CC

Spotswood started the season with modest expectations.

The proud club from one of Melbourne’s smallest areas has long punched above its weight, often proving the doubters wrong.

Its move to Sub-District this season after spending most of its 92 years in the VTCA was perhaps its greatest challenge yet.

“We will go better than some people think,” club president John Wheeler said before the first game.

In true Spotty spirit, they’ve met every challenge head-on.

With six wins from seven games in the south-west section, Spotswood is sharing top spot on the ladder with powerhouse clubs Caulfield and Oakleigh.

On Saturday, Spotswood scored its best win yet, seeing off Brighton at the Brighton Beach Oval, despite missing four players due to Covid, including skipper Jakson Knight.

Spotty dismissed the hosts for 134 and made the runs five wickets down.

Dan Schuppan has taken 16 wickets for Spotswood this season. Picture: Hamish Blair

Coach Dan Schuppan captured 4-16 off eight overs with the new ball, taking his season tally of wickets to 16.

Matthew Sazenis, as consistent as a sunrise, took 3-23 off 7.2 overs to move to 13 scalps.

Max Buck, Adam Butterfield and stand-in skipper Jarryd Vernon each took a wicket.

In the run chase, Spotswood lost an early wicket but consolidated through a 62-run partnership between Riley Vernon (33) and Jarryd Vernon (38 off 47 balls).

Craig Butterfield, up from the twos, cracked 27 off 37 balls, with three boundaries, and Jagger Skilbeck (6no) smacked a six to compete the job.

Wheeler admitted the season was panning out better than expected.

“We have the same side (as last season), we’ve added two young players,” he said.

“We’ve got a pretty young side and we thought there’s going to be improvement but the improvement has been outstanding.

“The young blokes have really taken off.

“Especially on Saturday, we lost four players due to Covid and Brighton I think were fairly full strength and to actually win the game, that’s as good as we’ve gone.

“We bowled really well and got over the line.”

Wheeler said the club was also booming off the field.

“Our numbers… we’re getting around 60 to training,” he said.

“Our new practice facility is up and running. The mood is fantastic. Coach Dan (Schuppan) has just really gelled this club together. The young blokes want to be here, it’s really great.

“We’re playing out of temporary club rooms while our main club is being rebuilt.

“It’s just a great vibe, a bit of a village atmosphere being outside with marquees. It’s a fantastic feeling around the club, you can just see they want to be here and that’s the main part.”

Four Spotswood batters have scored over 160 runs this season: Knight (306, at 102), Riley Vernon (229 at 38.17), Ross Horkings (203 at 33.83) and Jarryd Vernon (167 at 41.75).

Spotswood faces more challenges, with games against Malvern (at home) and Oakleigh (away) over the next two weekends.