VTCA 2020-21: Deer Park defeats Tullamarine in Division 1

Deer Park made it three consecutive wins as Hashan Wanasekara posted a century, while a 14-year-old bowler also impressed.

Hashan Wanasekara on his way to his first century for Deer Park. Picture: Hamish Blair

Deer Park kept its unblemished record intact on Saturday on the back of a masterclass from Hashan Wanasekara.

The opener batted through the innings to post his first century for the Lions, finishing unbeaten on 110 from 119 deliveries against Tullamarine.

Wanasekara struck five boundaries and three sixes to lead the home side to a 46-run victory in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Division 1 clash.

Deer Park is the only undefeated side in the expanded 12-team competition after scoring wins over St Francis de Sales and Sunshine in the opening two rounds.

“This is his third year at the club, and I’ve been waiting for that day,” captain-coach Ricky Suvada said of Wanasekara.

“He’s so talented. I know the Sri Lankan guys need to get used to the wickets in Australia…but it was long awaited.

“He’s matured a lot in the last two years and it was fantastic to watch.”

Star Deer Park recruit Nilochana Perera. Picture: Hamish Blair

Wanasekara logged scores of 29 and 55 in the opening fortnight of the campaign.

He combined with recruit Yoshan Kumara (54 not out from 66 balls) for an unconquered 135-run stand after Deer Park was 3-69.

“Yosh has been sensational,” Suvada said.

“The guy lives in Dandenong and he’s there (at training) every Tuesday at 5 O’clock and every Thursday early.

“He’s putting in the effort and bowls all night at training.”

The Lions put up an imposing 3-204 from their 40 overs, with Tullamarine reaching 6-158 in reply.

Suvada led from the front with 2-7 from eight frugal overs, while Nilochana Perera grabbed 2-10 from four.

The pair took the key wickets of Gihan Kankanamge (0) and Dean Peter-Budge (21) respectively.

Tullamarine skipper Manoj Boteju searches for a wicket. Picture: Hamish Blair

Lachlan Fitzgerald, 14, also impressed in his maiden First XI appearance of 2020-21, returning 0-57 from eight overs unchanged as Tullamarine upped the tempo.

“I thought it was a great experience for the kid,” Suvada said.

“He’s so talented, so I thought we’d put him in the ones and give him a chance.

“He just bowls good areas, and for a kid his action is so fluent.”

All-rounders Kumara and Perera have wasted little time proving their worth at Deer Park after putting pen to paper over the off-season as the club looked to improve on last season’s fifth-placed finish.

“Those two recruits have strengthened our side so much,” Suvada said.

“They just bowl line and length, and you need that as openers and first-change bowlers.”

Suvada said Craigieburn, Seddon and Airport West St Christophers were among the leading sides in what looms as a tight Division 1 flag race, with Glenroy and PEGS the only teams without a win.

The Lions will be chasing four consecutive victories when they face Spotswood away from home this weekend.