Winter Cricket: Victoria defeats NSW in annual encounter

A VSDCA all-rounder stole the show as Victoria faced-off with NSW in their annual winter cricket interstate battle. SEE PICTURES.

Victorian batter Satheesh Fernandu hits straight. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It was raining sixes as Victoria made an explosive start to their annual winter cricket interstate battle with NSW on Sunday.

Preston Sub-District all-rounder Marcus Murphy clobbered four over the fence in a knock of 52 not out as the Vics put up 225 off 35 overs.

Satheesh Fernandu was also in blazing form, cracking 52, with 3 sixes and 4 fours.

The target proved too big for NSW, which was held to 9-158 in reply.

Murphy capped a man-of-the-match display with 3-29 off 8 overs.

Marcus Murphy batting for Victoria. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The game was played at Gladstone Park and was umpired by former international Bill Sheahan and VSDCA great Greg Rollo.

Victoria and NSW have played annually over the past decade, alternating hosting duties.

The Vics now lead the head-to-head tally 8-2.

Victorian captain Mark Cooper said the rivalry was embraced by players.

“The concept is just awesome,’’ he said.

“To be able to get a really competitive game of cricket at this time of the year is huge.

“We really look forward to going up to NSW next year.’’

Arosh Janoda made 35 for Victoria. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Satheesh Fernandu pulls one to the boundary. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Victoria’s other contributors with the bat were Cooper (17), Dilan Chandima (20), Arosh Janoda (35) and No.10 Ryan Bonnici (14),

The wickets were shared by Murphy, Chandima (3-12), Rajitha Mendis (2-25) and Max Dias (1-16).

Victorian captain Mark Cooper. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Victoria show off the interstate plaque. Picture: Facebook

Rain fell during the game but play carried on, as it does in winter cricket.

Cooper said winter cricketers were a hardy bunch who operated by the motto, ‘the show must go on’.

“Most of the time you keep going, you learn how to play through it and adapt,’’ he said.

“It’s really taught us something about summer that we might be a little bit precious.’’

Dilan Chandima on the drive.