The Victorian Turf Cricket Association representative side timed its run to perfection against a Dandenong District Cricket Association team.
The VTCA was going for a hat-trick of wins after winning matches between the two teams the past two years and was made to work for it.
The VTCA managed to hit the winning runs with two balls remaining.
Coach Mitch Johnstone said it was another good day between the two associations.
“The DDCA probably had its strongest team in three years and our team probably wasn’t as strong as the other two years.
“We still were able to find a way.”
Johnstone said each of the three games that they had played had been slightly different way, but all had been good occasions.
The VTCA had a number of changes during the week from the team that was named.
Johnstone, who ended up playing after initially only going to coach, said it was hard to attract some of the top line players, who had done a lot at higher levels.
“We’ve rewarded some players who have put their hands up each year, with Matthew Gaskett and Donovan Pell two of those guys.
“Hopefully we’ll hold on to them going forward. Both played pivotal roles.”
The DVCA got off to a flyer and were about 70 off eight overs
The VTCA was able to peg it back.
“We were going around the park early on,” Johnstone said. “We took the pace off the ball and bowled a lot of spin.
“We were able to restrict them for the rest of the day.”
The DDCA finished its 40 overs at 9-204.
Johnstone said they were happy with that total. Joel Brett took three wickets, while Gaskett, Johnstone and Ryan Metz took two wickets each.
The VTCA was in trouble early at 2-4 and with a longer tail than usual there were some nervous faces.
But the VTCA middle and lower order stepped up led by Aaron Maynard (39) and his son Kobi Maynard (10 not out).
The pair spent time at the crease together.
Johnstone said it was really cool to see them out there together.
“We try and give a spot for a younger bloke,” he said. “Kobi showed a lot of composure late in the innings.”
Gaskett was named player of the match.
While he had a mixed bag with his bowling, he made 42 off 53 balls after coming in at number seven to help get the side across the line.
Johnstone said it was a really even contribution across the side.
The VTCA is already starting to plan for next year.
“I’ve spoken with Zoran [Havranek] and with other coaches Duncan Harrison and Mick Andriadis.
“Do we have the side more a development side or go with experience.
“Do we leverage the team of the year and they have the first opportunity to play and we fill the gaps around them, or look to some of the younger players?”
