All-rounder Curtis Maguire played a huge role in Yarraville’s breakthrough win in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west group on Saturday.
Maguire took three wickets and carved out 49 as the Eagles took down local rivals Williamstown by three wickets in a hard-fought one-day clash at Yarraville Oval.
“We didn’t play overly good cricket, but it’s good to get six points and get our season under way,” player-coach Adam Yates told the Weekly.
PICTURE GALLERY: Yarraville v Williamstown
Maguire, a club professional when he arrived from the UK three years ago, is keen to solidify his first XI position again after spending last season in lower grades.
The Englishman worked hard with the new ball for an economical 3-22 off nine overs and then changed the complexion of the game with a brilliant performance with the bat.
“He was basically the matchwinner,” Yates said.
“With the bat, he came in with us under pressure when we were 3-19 and batted really sensibly.
“With the ball, he got us off to a really good start. He’s a quick bowler; he hurries the batsmen up and does a little bit with it. He’s a class act.”
Williamstown was bowled out for a sub-par 126 in 38.3 overs, the Seagulls leaving too much to experienced duo Craig Sheedy (40) and Brenton Hodges (24 not out), with 21 extras the next biggest number on the scorecard.
“On a quick outfield, to restrict them, our bowlers did a really good job,” Yates said. “They were quite disciplined.”
Leg spinner Tim McRae landed the prized scalp of Sheedy, who has started the summer with scintillating form with an average of 104.5 in three innings.
McRae was an innings-changer with 3-17 from nine overs.
“He’s an experienced bowler and under pressure is when he performs at his best,” Yates said.
But Yarraville was by no means in cruise control in their run chase, slumping to 3-19 before Maguire’s rescue act dragged them pass the target seven down.
The Eagles’ next test is one of their longest road trips, to Mount Waverley, but they will go in with confidence after their weekend win.
“We’re starting to play some consistent cricket, which is what we’re about,” Yates said.
“We’ll play our hardest and be competitive and, hopefully, that’s enough for us to come away with the six points.”
Meanwhile, Altona returned to the winners’ circle with a 21-run victory over Sunshine at Grant Reserve on Saturday.
The A’s posted 4-225 from their 45 overs with Aaron Maynard (82 not out) and Peter Herrick (55) hitting the ball to all sections.
The Crows took it up to the home side, making 6-204 in reply, a marked improvement on earlier efforts this season.
Andrew McCammond was the tightest of the A’s bowlers with 1-17 off nine overs, while Trent Smith (2-32) and Lee Elmore (2-41) took two wickets apiece.
