Wild celebrations after Brunswick’s heart-stopping Subbies win over Oakleigh

Matt Doric claimed an incredible nine wickets and Brunswick snatched a one-run win over Oakleigh in a mesmerising finish.

Brunswick kept its season alive in arguably the finish of the Subbies cricket season on Saturday.

The Wicks, needing a win to remain in the finals hunt, snatch a heart-stopping one-run victory over powerhouse Oakleigh – despite Brendan McGuinness’ brilliant 104 not out – at AG Gillon Oval, sparking wild celebrations.

Paceman Matt Doric was the hero, taking an incredible 9-95, including the match-winning wicket, in a herculean 37.5 overs.

He is just the second Brunswick player to take nine wickets in an innings, following Calum Cook (9-37) against Sunshine in 2002-03 and Ken Crisp (9-73) against Balwyn in 1974-75.

David Bonavia claimed the only other wicket.

Matthew Doric in action for Brunswick. Picture: Hamish Blair

The veteran quick said he was still on a high 24 hours after the pulsating win.

“The body is that sore, I’m glad I’ve got the adrenaline of a win rather be this sore after a loss.

“The lid was off, there was a bit of me time, and we usually film those games but I’m glad there was no camera.

“The celebration was such a good feeling, a couple of the boys have messaged today saying I’m still on a high and how amazing it was.

“The ball was like a bar of soap and the pitch, I couldn’t really stand up, so I was just hoping the ball was going in the right area.

“McGuiness batted really, really well and hardly gave a chance, so hats off to him, but I thought if we could get a couple of balls at the No.11 we were a chance.”

Marcus Stables top-scored with 60 on the opening day of the match and late runs from Bonavia (39), Henry Robertson (21) and Jack Moss (10 not out) proved critical.

Bonavia and Robertson put on 39 for the ninth wicket, while Bonavia and Moss combined for a 18-run last-wicket stand.

David Bonavia scored critical late-order runs for Brunswick. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Doric then tore through the Oaks’ top-order as the visitors crumbled to 5-31.

McGuiness and Jack Clark (56) steadied the ship with a 113-run sixth-wicket partnership.

McGuiness and No.11 Tharindu Malimegue (nine) combined for a 46-run last-wicket stand that came agonisingly close to snatching victory but Doric would not be denied.

“I’ve taken an eight-for in Premier Cricket but nine is a personal best and staying under the hundred runs,” Doric said.

“It was crazy, Karl (Mayne) let me bowl all day, which was good.

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“I had eight overs last week but I pretty much bowled unchanged from one end, when you’re in a rhythm and it wasn’t that hot so I was OK to keep running in.

“I thought we were a bit light on for runs but Marcus and then Dave, Henry and Jack Moss was handy as well, they put on 20 or 30 for the last wicket and that’s won us the game really.”

The win sees Brunswick sit sixth with one game to play, a one-dayer against ladder-leader Kew at Victoria Park.

The Wicks are three points clear of Elsternwick in seventh and six points and run-rate ahead of Oakleigh, who face missing finals for the first time in many years.