VTCA 2018-19: English quick Jamie McIlroy fires on Doutta Stars debut
WILL Doutta Stars new left-arm quick be the man to help end Yarraville Club’s hold on the VTCA Senior Division flag?
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport . Followed categories will be added to My News.
LEFT-ARM paceman Jamie McIlroy looms as a key figure for VTCA premiership hopeful Doutta Stars after making an immediate impression on debut.
The English quick snared 4-25 on day one of the club’s Round 1 clash with Keilor, filling the void left by James Vistarini (travel) with aplomb.
VTCA 2018-19: WESTMEADOWS TARGETING MORE SUCCESS
GREENVALE DROPS OUT OF TOP GRADE AFTER PLAYER EXODUS
GLENROY DETERMINED TO EASE RELIANCE ON STAR SPINNER
“He got the ball to move early,” Doutta Stars captain-coach Brenton Parchment said.
“It was a slow wicket, so even more of a credit to the bowlers for the way they bowled.
“ (McIlroy has) got some height. He does seam the ball around and get the ball to swing.
“That’s a plus for us. But that’s just another bowler in our armoury.”
With fellow fast bowlers Jeremy Peacock and Parchment and left-arm spinner Lorenzo Ingram, the Stars boast one of the most potent attacks in Senior Division.
Parchment praised McIlroy’s ability to adapt quickly to Australian conditions.
“He’s brought some experience, having played a fair amount of cricket,” he said.
“He seems to have good leadership qualities which can only be a plus for us.”
Doutta Stars rolled Keilor for 106 on Saturday after ranking as one of the VTCA top grade’s most lethal bowling teams in 2017-18.
The return of Vistarini, who took 26 wickets in 2015-16, will provide the club enviable depth with the ball.
“He’s away travelling at the moment,” Parchment said. “The bowling department is looking pretty good.”
Import Aron Nijjar (26 wickets), Parchment (26), Ingram (23) and Peacock (18) were the Stars’ leading bowlers last summer.
West Indian all-rounder Parchment said he would be “disappointed” if his side’s four-wicket loss to Yarraville Club in last season’s decider was not serving as motivation.
“Let’s hope I am right by saying it has,” he said.
“We are working quite conscientiously to try and improve our performances, especially our performances in big games.”
Doutta Stars will resume at 1-141 on Saturday, leading Keilor by 35 runs.
Elsewhere in Senior Division, Spotswood posted 5-311 against Seddon, Sunshine United amassed 6-310 against Strathmore and Yarraville Club put 7-223 on the board to set St Albans a tough chase.
MORE LOCAL CRICKET NEWS
FAMILY TIES HELPING SUNBURY UNITED SUCCEED
Proof the Heat are rising
Two near-tons and a strong middle-order offering are signs of Frankston Peninsula’s improved status in Premier Cricket, according to Heat coach Peter Marshall.
‘We’ve got the right list’: How DDCA scalp was proof for Bulls
Dandenong West captain Riley Siwes says the Bulls’ first Dandenong District Turf 1 win in almost six years was proof of what it can achieve this summer.