VTCA claims local cricket cross-town bragging rights over DDCA
The Victorian Turf Cricket Association claimed local cricket supremacy over Dandenong District thanks to one inspired performance with the bat.
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The Victorian Turf Cricket Association can lay claim to local cricket supremacy for the next 12 months.
An inspired knock from Doutta Stars skipper Patrick Willach lead the VTCA to a thrilling 19-run win over cross-town rival Dandenong District on Sunday.
On a tricky Hallam Recreation Reserve wicket, Willach was the clear standout with an unbeaten 85 to claim man-of-the-match honours.
A seventh-wicket stand with Druids’ Nathan Johnson (25 not out) helped the VTCA post 6-138 after being sent in.
The DDCA crumbled in reply, all out for 119, with a last-wicket counter-attack led by Beaconsfield’s Callan Tout (25) and Riley Siwes of Dandenong South almost snatching victory.
VTCA skipper Mitch Johnstone heaped praise on Willach’s ability to tame the pitch when all others struggled.
“The wicket was a little ropey, the ball was rearing up at times and shooting through and there was a bit of sideways movement too,” Johnstone said.
“Patty’s 85 was a fantastic knock, so for him – I think he was one of our younger players – to withstand that was super impressive.
“He’s really coming into his own, early to mid-20s now, as a cricketer and played a terrific knock – 85 out of 138 is just about unheard of.
“We got a good contribution from Nathan Johnson late too … had that partnership not eventuated it was going to be pretty tough and looked a like sub 100 score.”
Keilor spinner Matthew Gaskett was the VTCA’s best with the ball, claiming 3-26, while Johnstone picked up a brace.
Blues teammate Miguel Cummins picked up one wicket and sealed the win with a run-out.
“Miguel put the wind up them a little bit … he didn’t take a big bag or anything but he really opened up the game for us, I think they were 1-7 off seven.
“I was a bit worried when they needed 20 to win.
“It was important that we gave everyone an opportunity, coming out all that way, giving up their Sunday, so I thought everyone deserved a lick of the ice-cream.
“The spinners did the job towards the end the big West Indian quick executed a nice run-out to seal the game.”
The VTCA lost West Indian all-rounder Roshon Primus and top-order bat Anthony Barton before the game.
At just 14, Yarraville Club youngster Jack Martin stepped in and bowled two tidy overs.
The promising spinner ranks eighth on the Senior Division wicket-taker charts with 19 scalps this season and Johnstone forecasts higher honours.
“Jacko fielded the whole innings and bowled a couple of overs and for a 14-year-old to play at that level is a great taste of bigger and better things,” Johnstone said.
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“He won’t be with us for long, maybe one more year, he’s super exciting, he’s in the top-10 wicket-takers in the comp and just turned 14.
“He’s really good at his craft and is just a super competitor, he’ll be playing far higher cricket I would have thought.”
Johnstone praised his team’s camaraderie as players enjoyed being on the same team rather than rivals for the day.
Both associations hope to make the game an annual event and are planning to add an under-21 match as well.
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