Tara Murray
The Druids came up big in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 grand final to claim their second T20 title.
Facing Haig Fawkner, which has been the team to beat in the T20 competition in recent years, the Wizards put a solid score on the board, before stepping up with the ball.
In the end it was a comprehensive win for the Wizards.
Wizards vice-president Andrew Brennan said they were thrilled to have come out on top.
“It was a fantastic day for the club,” he said.
“We won one about five years ago and it’s great to have another one in the cabinet.
“We were playing the benchmark of the shorter format and it was pleasing to get a win over them.”
Haig Fawkner won the toss and sent the Wizards in. They made 7-132 from their 20 overs.
Jarrod Parsons top scored with 32, while Asela Rangana Dasanayaka Aluthgemade 28 and Nathan Johnson made 27.
Brennan said a few guys thought that it wasn’t enough runs on the board, with a good pitch and fast outfield.
Having been their strength all season, the Wizards needed their bowlers to step up again.
They did exactly that, restricting Haig to 8-89.
“We did a fantastic job with the ball,” Brennan said.
“Nathan Johnson started really well. Eamon Scott in the slips took a couple of brilliant catches in the slips and then got a couple of wickets as well.”
Johnson and Scott took three wickets each.
Johnson was named player of the match for his 27 and 3-9 off his four overs. Brennan said that Johnson, who captained their T20 side, had come up really big when needed.
“Nathan stepped up in the semi final with 50 not out and now in the final,” he said.
“He’s gone to the next level which is what you want from your leaders. He brought that strength and composure.
“We didn’t have enough runs on the board and he started off with two really important wickets.”
The Wizards are hoping that they can continue the good form this Saturday against Craigieburn in the senior division.
The Wizards need to win and hope results go their way to play finals.
Craigieburn were bowled out for 181. Johnson took 4-71 for the Wizards.
Brennan said they would need to bat well on day two to get the win.
“Hopefully we can get the runs,” he said.
“They were looking like they would get a bit less, but they had a good partnership and batted well in the middle.
“It’s a chasable score on our ground, we will need to bat well. Hopefully we’ll put on a good score and get the win.”
Yarraville Club will need a good day with the bat against Haig Fawkner.
Haig made 9-268 from its overs.
Mitch Johnstone took 3-86 for the Clubbers.
