VTCA 2018-19: Airport West St Christophers compile huge total
CENTURIES from skipper Jordon Kelly and Dinesh Cooray lifted Airport West St Christophers to its best total in nine seasons against Tullamarine on Saturday.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport . Followed categories will be added to My News.
CENTURIES from skipper Jordon Kelly and Dinesh Cooray lifted Airport West St Christophers to its best total in nine seasons against Tullamarine on Saturday.
The West Saints staged an almighty comeback after being reduced to 2-6 when openers Jack Ryan (0) and Isuru Okandage (6) fell cheaply.
VTCA 2018-19: BATTING DEPTH MAKES DRUIDS A LEADING CONTENDER
VTCA 2018-19: MIDDLE ORDER VITAL TO SAINTS’ FLAG HOPES
VTCA 2018-19: WESTMEADOWS TARGETING MORE SUCCESS
Cooray and Ned Gentile (38) withstood the early onslaught, sharing a 101-run third-wicket partnership to rescue their side’s innings at Etzel Street Reserve.
All-rounder Cooray topscored with 115, his third Airport West St Christophers hundred, propelling the hosts to 4-198 before he was the fifth man out.
“He’s a very good cricketer, he’s got a lot of talent,” West Saints coach Mark Pallini said.
“He was very controlled. It was a pleasure to watch.
“He’s very professional with the way he goes about his cricket. His shot selection was really good and he really set us up yesterday.”
With support from 15-year-old Zak Doyle (25), Kelly compiled his first VTCA senior century for the West Saints, finishing unconquered on 101 in a total of 6-317.
“He came in when there was about 30 overs left and he just smashed them,” Pallini said.
“He hit the bad balls to the boundary or over the fence and in the first year as captain he has really taken the leadership to the fore.”
The score was Airport West St Christophers highest since February, 2010, when it amassed 5-336 in a fixture it lost by six wickets to Yarraville Club.
Pallini praised the patience shown by teenager Doyle in his third First XI match.
“We were 5-198, then Jordy and Zak Doyle put on 114 in a partnership in good time. It really set us up,” he said.
“That was so important in that middle order. Zak made 25 of the 114, but he played his role.”
Shane Siebel (3-57) was the pick of the Demons’ bowlers.
Elsewhere in Division 1 West, Laverton (6-109) claimed first-innings points on day one against Greenvale Kangaroos (106) and Druids made 8-263 in its clash with Deer Park.
Tim Stephens (64) and Tom Godsell (57) posted half-centuries in Aberfeldie’s 9-250 against Altona North.
MORE LOCAL SPORT
THE LATEST COACH AND PLAYER MOVES IN LOCAL FOOTY
Hawks AFLW fly north to claim Cazalys fortress
Hawthorn’s AFLW side fly into Cairns looking to make their Northern Nest a fortress beginning with Thursday night’s blockbuster against Melbourne to kick off Indigenous Round.
Premier Cricket: Men’s and women’s Team of the Week
Young guns lit up Victorian Premier Cricket in men’s and women’s sections. We’ve named our teams of the week. SEE THEM