Tara Murray
Yarraville Club wasn’t sure how this season would turn out, but a Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division grand final has exceeded those expectations.
With the departures of several experienced players in the off season, the Clubbers were keen to give some younger guys a go.
Clubbers coach Mitch Johnstone said they were thrilled with the development of the group.
“We were a bit unheralded,” he said. “We entered the year knowing that a lot of young guys would get opportunities.
“Lachlan Campbell on the weekend really stepped up facing over 100 balls and he was a great support for Sangaran Nandhalal.
“The young guys have all chipped in, which has been good. We’re now one good performance away from a premiership.
“Not many people would have predicted that.”
Johnstone said they always believed that they were a better two-day side than one-day side and their form after Christmas has shown that was the case.
Their only loss in the two-day format came against minor premiers Haig Fawkner in the final round.
On the weekend, the Clubbers faced Aberfeldie for a spot in the grand final.
Abers were on top early and looked on track for a big score. It had Johnstone a little bit concerned.
“I was a bit worried at 2-113 and they had two set batters and the wickets had no Demons,” he said.
“They were looking upwards for 270, which is a huge ask in a final.
“Myself and Jackson Martin bowled well heading into tea and then the experienced guys did the job after tea.
“Ash Sweet continued his really strong year and we were able to keep them to a modest total.”
Abers was bowled out for 224 in the final over of the innings. Sweet finished with four wickets and Johnstone with three.
The Clubbers set the tone early with the bat and were able to continue it on as they finished 6-225.
“Trent Lawford whacked them and CJ [Chinthaka Jayasinghe] outshone him with the ball striking if that is even possible.
“It gave us some emphasise and but they would have liked to have kicked on and put the game beyond doubt.
“Sanga had a brilliant knock and the nucleus of our batting line up is built around him, Campbell was exceptional.
“Alastair Powell got a 100 last week, so it shows we bat deeper than what it looks like on paper.”
The Clubbers finished 6-225, hitting the winning runs in the 69th over.
The Clubbers have this week off after the other semi final between Haig Fawkner and Deer Park was postponed while legal action over the suspension of several Haig players is finalised.
Johnstone said they will only worry about themselves and what will be, will be.
“We’ll have a light week and some of us older blokes, including yours truly will enjoy the break,” he said.
“We’ll have a light week with a bit of fielding and maybe some centre wicket practice on Saturday.
“We’ll then check out the opposition on Saturday and then we’ll fine tune the week after.”
