VTCA: All the best performances from round 3

Some of the individual performances in the latest round of VTCA action have to be seen to be believed. Here’s all the key talking points and top performers.

The latest round of Victorian Turf Cricket Association action produced some thrilling displays.

Here are all the key talking points from across the grades.

HILL TON CAN’T STOP STORM

Sydenham-Hillside is on the board in VTCA Senior Division, a stunning 11-run win over reigning premier Yarraville Club marking the club‘s first win in the top-flight. Gayashan Weerasekara’s century on day one inspired the Storm, helping it reach an imposing 284 at Hansen Reserve. It capped an amazing turnaround after falling to 1-0 and 2-3 early. Weerasekara and captain Anthony Alleyne (47) steadied the ship and Derone Davis (60) and Dylan Kight (32) kept the runs flowing. Trent Lawford and Mitch Johnstone took three wickets each for Yarraville Club. In response, the Clubbers started strongly thanks to Lawford’s blazing 44 from 42 balls. Former Essendon captain Michael Hill then posted his first century for the club, 114 from 162 balls, but it wasn’t enough.

PELL PUTS WARRIORS ON BACK

A masterful century from captain-coach Donovan Pell has delivered Westmeadows a much-needed win. After finishing last last season, the Warriors opened their 2023-24 account with a three-wicket win over Craigieburn at DS Aitken Reserve, chasing down the Eagles‘ 187. Pell, the former Carlton bat, plundered 107 from 198 balls, hitting 13 boundaries. It was a match-defining knock as none of his teammates scored more than 22. Pell was the last man out before stumps was called as Westmeadows finished 8-193. James Portou was the Eagles’ best bowler with 4-50, while Manpreet Singh Mahla took 3-40. Last week Mahla top-scored with 66, while Sam Laffan scored 45 not out. Pathum de Mel, Babar Aziz and Geeth Alwis all took three wickets.

DEER PARK WINS CENTURY DUEL

It must be nice to have Premier Cricket run-machines Daniel Sartori and Dean Russ sitting comfortably in your middle order. Deer Park showcased its batting power in a high-scoring six-wicket win over St Albans on Saturday. Nils Priestley scored a super century, 100 off 115 balls, to guide the Saints to 191 in their first innings. However, the Lions made light work of the chase. Hashan Wanasekera knocked up 81 at the top of the order and put on a 114-run third-wicket partnership with Sartori. The former Richmond and Footscray bat would see Deer Park to victory and then go on to post a century of his own, 100 not out from 131 deliveries. Russ finished unbeaten on 33 from 34 balls. Fawad Malook took 4-46 with the ball for the Lions.

TIGERS EARN HIGH SCORING WIN

Matt Sipala top-scored with 63 not out, while Dhanushka Lahiru Kumara added 50 and Alex Burton 48 to help Sunshine United post a commanding 6-291 on day one of their Senior Division clash with Aberfeldie. The Tigers needed almost everyone of those runs as Aberfeldie put on a strong chase but ultimate fell 30 runs short, bowled out for 261. Team of the Year bat Charlie Thurston fell agonisingly short of triple figures, out for 97 from 175 deliveries. Anthony Barton scored 54 but there was little run support. Dilum Weerarathna snared 4-40 and Tigers skipper Tom O‘Brien claimed 3-39 to seal victory for United.

PAXINO MEDALLIST’S HIGH FIVE

Keilor‘s reigning VTCA Senior Division medallist Matt Gaskett starred as Keilor secured a six-wicket win over Druids on Saturday. The star spinner claimed a match-high 5-84, with help from Malith Cooray (2-13) and Aakash Katarey (2-15) as Druids were dismissed for 188 at Shorten Reserve. In the chase, Nick Taylor top-scored with 79, while Jarryd Clements added 42 in the Blues’ 4-189.

Sunshine keeper Matt Stone and Footscray United batter Sanju Jayasekara. Picture: Valeriu Campan

SUNSHINE’S STATEMENT WIN

It’s been a tough start to life in Division 1 for Footscray United and in their most recent fixture they felt the full power of Sunshine. The Crows posted 6-314 (dec) on day one before rolling the home side for just 145 in their first innings. At one stage, United found themselves at 6-20 before Daniel Melican and Sanju Jayasekara eventually steadied and saved their side from a horror score. Isuru Yaddehige was the pick of the bowlers with 4-26 after Avishka Chenuka posted a century.

HAIG OFF TO A FLYING START

After its demotion to Division 1, Haig Fawkner is looming a premiership contender this season. They’ve made a perfect start to the season with two wins from two. St Francis de Sales was simply not match as Haig posted a commanding victory on the back of a brilliant bowling display. Nuwan Liyanapathirana claimed 4-43 as the Saints were all out for 137 in their first innings. Nalin Perera then top scored with 82 to give his side first innings points.

LIONS GUN’S HISTORIC DAY

Julian De Zilva enjoyed a day out for Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s on Saturday when he took 16 wickets in his side’s win over Sunshine Heights. His figures were the best in club history with De Zilva playing just his second game for the club. “I’ve seen nothing like it before,” captain Daniel Stavris said.

Mathew Sanders was in terrific form for his side.

SANDERS TEARS IT OPEN FOR BURNSIDE SPRINGS

Burnside Springs United skipper Mathew Sanders enjoyed quite the performance across two days of action against Wyndhamvale. He finished the game with 10 wickets as his side ran out comfortable winners. He also top scored in his side’s run chase with 30 in the Division 5 clash. Shohan Rangika finished with eight wickets for the game himself.

Grand United’s Sam Crea. Picture: Andy Brownbill

CREA THE DIFFERENCE IN LOW SCORING THRILLER

It definitely wasn’t a game for the batsmen in Grand United’s win over Williamstown CYMS. Despite being rolled for 97 after winning the toss and electing to bat, the Gorillas were able to come away with a win after bowling the Seagulls out for 56. Sam Crea’s performance with the ball as he finished with 8-24 in a stunning game of cricket.

JAYAWEERA’S MATCH WINNING DISPLAY

Moonee Valley came away with a thrilling victory over Footscray Angliss and the performance of Ruwan Jayaweera was a key factor. He finished with 5-44 with the ball before posting a match winning 54 not out with the blade to guide his side to victory. That included a 66-run partnership with Luca Nimorakiotakis.

TOP PERFORMERS

Shaukat Bhamji (Kingsville) – 110

Rukshan Fernando (Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s) – 164

Farrukh Shahzad (Pascoe Vale Hadfield) – 100

Serafino Crea (Grand United) – 8-24

James Muirhead (Newport-Digman) 6-31

Teriq Worrell (Williamstown Imperials) – 5-54

Usman Ashraf (Werribee Centrals) – 7-51

Anthony de Zilva (Maribyrnong Park St Mary‘s) – 10-41

Anthony de Zilva (Maribyrnong Park St Mary‘s) – 6-38

Harvinder Singh (Point Cook) – 5-71