By Tara Murray
Yarraville Club is the only undefeated team left in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
It’s been a big couple of weeks for the Clubbers as they faced both of last season’s grand finalists, who were also undefeated.
While the first of those matches with Deer Park ended in a draw after day two was washed out, the Clubbers were able to get on back against Sydenham-Hillside on the weekend.
Clubbers captain-coach Mitch Johnstone said it was nice to finally get a win against the Storm.
“We started 2-0 after winning the toss and deciding to bat and I was thinking what have I done,” he said.
“They beat us three times last year. We were exceptional on the weekend and couldn’t have asked for much more.”
After losing both openers without scoring, the Clubbers middle order got going led by Nandhalal Sangaran.
He made a massive 132 and put on a 170-run partnership with Trent Lawford (95) to push the Clubbers to 9-362.
Johnstone said Sangaran continued his really strong form from this season, while it was the best innings he had seen Lawford play for the club.
He said the most pleasing thing was the growth they’ve had this season when they’ve been in trouble early to fight their way out of it.
While the Clubbers started their innings slowly, the Storm got off to a flier on Sunday and were sitting nicely at 1-111.
Johnstone said the pitch wasn’t doing much.
“[Cam] West and [Ishan] Peiris started really well and we were thinking here we go again,” he said.
“They had a good platform at tea at 2-140. We had a good half hour after tea and got wickets in consecutive overs.”
The Storm was bowled out for 222 in the 58th over.
Johnstone took 5-52 for the Clubbers, while Lawford took three wickets.
The win and other results has the Clubbers as the only undefeated team after six rounds.
Johnstone said that it’s well deserved.
“We have levelled up our training and have a bit more expectation,” he said. “We have a lot of experience but we want them to be a bit more visible at training and get the work in.
“It’s paid dividends so far. Everyone is connected and wants to play their part. There have been some surprising results throughout and anyone can beat anyone.
“We now control our own destiny.”
Johnstone said their second and third XIs were both tracking well in a good sign for the club.
The Clubbers senior division side plays Westmeadows to finish the first part of the season.
Meanwhile in the Isaacs Howarth Shield, Altona North and Seddon had wins,
Alton North made 275 before restricting PEGS to 170.
Seddon made 201 before bowling the Druids out for 58. The Druids finished 5-116 in their second innings.
Footscray United lost to Oak Park St Francis de Sales.
