VTCA 2020-21: Druids’ gun Michael Hay produces match-winning knock

Druids captain-coach Michael Hay is the leading run-scorer in VTCA Senior Division after a superb knock in Round 4.

Michael Hay is in red-hot form with bat and ball for Druids. Picture: Hamish Blair

Druids captain-coach Michael Hay produced a match-winning knock to spearhead his team’s second victory of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Senior Division season on Saturday.

Hay finished unbeaten on 97 from 98 balls as the Wizards knocked off highly-rated Sunshine United by five wickets.

The classy No.3 hit six boundaries and cleared the fence three times, with Druids reaching 5-173 with four balls remaining to pocket the points.

The visitors were staring down the barrel of defeat when they were 3-19, with James Waters (0), Shane Windridge (2) and Leigh Wilson (7) all removed cheaply.

But Hay came to the rescue in a pressure-packed 148-minute stay at the crease, ably supported by Andrew Brennan (32) and wicketkeeper-batsman Harry Rooke (21).

Andrew Brennan at the bowling crease for Druids. Picture: Hamish Blair

Hay is the most prolific batsman in Senior Division after four rounds with 246 runs at an eye-popping average of 123, including three half-centuries. He also has 10 wickets to his name at 16.3 apiece.

“Definitely right up there with the performances I’ve given over the past six years,” Hay said of his innings.

“We lost three early wickets … I thought if I could bat through, everyone bats around me, and take it to the last five overs, we’re definitely a chance to win it.

“I feel like I’m hitting them all right.

“I’ve got to try and bat long periods and step up the performances, be consistent.

“If I can try and bat through, the other boys can bat around me.”

Hay said Druids were “under the pump” after their top-order failed to negotiate the new ball.

“I think the opposition knew if they got me they were in with a real good chance,” he said.

“There was a bit a pressure, but I thought we were a big chance to win it if I could stay in. I was pretty happy with that.”

Earlier, Wilson (3-20) was the standout with the ball as Sunshine United posted 7-172 from its 40 overs on the back of a half-century from Sangaran Nandhalal (73 from 92 balls).

Jarrod Parsons (1-24), Brennan (1-27) and Hay (1-38) were the other wicket-takers.

The success improved the Wizards’ record to 2-2 ahead of a Round 5 home clash against Aberfeldie.

“Definitely a massive win,” Hay said.

“Coming off last week’s performance (against Strathmore), which was obviously a bit disappointing, to come out and beat Sunshine United who had been 3-0 was a fantastic effort with a young side.

“It will boost the confidence quite a bit and give them a bit of belief.

“The young guys are still getting the experience in.

“It will do them good, just knowing we’re a young side with pretty much no stars. But if everyone works together, then we can still be competitive.”