VTCA 2020-21: Druids captain-coach Michael Hay hits ton despite injury

Despite immense pain leaving him unable to run, Druids gun Michael Hay stood tall for his team with a memorable century in VTCA Senior Division.

Michael Hay is enjoying a career-best season for Druids.

Druids captain-coach Michael Hay displayed immense character to score his first century of a run-filled Victorian Turf Cricket Association season on Saturday.

Hay smacked an unbeaten 103 from 109 deliveries in his side’s loss to reigning Senior Division premier St Albans despite being unable to run because of a hip injury he sustained while bowling earlier in the afternoon.

The South African star hammered seven boundaries and half-a-dozen sixes to take his season tally to 471 runs at 78.5, leaving him as the competition’s most prolific batsman.

While the knock was not enough to get the Wizards over the line – they lost by 99 runs – Hay’s fine example of leadership under duress is unlikely to be forgotten by his teammates any time soon.

Michael Hay suffered the injury while bowling. Picture: Hamish Blair

But Hay could face a stint on the sidelines as Druids look to avoid relegation.

“It’s feeling pretty sore at the moment too, so not too good,” Hay said of his injury on Sunday.

“I’m seeing the physio tomorrow (Monday) so hopefully it will be all right.

“It’s not feeling too good at the moment though.”

Hay conceded 31 from his four overs before being forced off the field for more than 40 minutes.

He had tried to field a ball from his own bowling before landing awkwardly.

“I dived to stop a ball off my own bowling and I must have just landed really funny on the hip bone,” Hay explained.

“It was a pretty hard land and straight away I could just feel something wasn’t right.

“I finished the over, but I couldn’t really run or anything, so I got one of the juniors to jump on (and field) so I could ice it.”

But the despite the pain, Hay entered the crease in his usual No.3 position with the assistance of a runner.

The Wizards fought valiantly on the back of Hay’s heroics, finishing with 4-214 from their 40 overs.

Earlier, St Albans posted a formidable 9-313 with Geeth Alwis (87 from 58), Thilina Masmulla (73 from 65) and Shanaka Silva (58 from 46) all posting rapid half-centuries.

“Chasing a big score, it was always going to be hard with a young side and we haven’t been going too well the last few weeks,” Hay said.

“It got to a stage where we knew it was going to be really tough to win the game, so I thought it would be a good chance to get some batting practice and still look to be really positive and just bat the overs, which we haven’t been able to do the past few weeks.”

Hay, who is in his sixth summer at Druids, said he was enjoying a career-best VTCA season.

He is now hoping to be fit for the club’s Twenty20 semi-final against Airport West St Christophers on Thursday.

“I think it probably is (a career-best season),” said Hay, who has just three scores below 40 from nine innings in 2020-21.

“I think it’s more about being consistent this season. In the other seasons I’ve had a few decent scores, but I’ve just focused on being consistent.

“It’s just good that when I get in, most times I’m going on with it.”

Elsewhere in Senior Division, Strathmore (9-201) won a close match with Doutta Stars (7-199), while Sunshine United (1-56) dismantled Haig Fawkner (55).

Westmeadows (4-126) outclassed Keilor (122) and Aberfeldie (5-165) claimed an upset victory over Yarraville Club (9-132).