By Lance Jenkinson
A Matthew Grose-inspired Yarraville has conquered Melton on its own soil to move into the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west group top six with two rounds to play.
The Eagles were victorious by 34 runs at a MacPherson Park ground that has historically been a tough hunting ground for opposition clubs.
Eagles captain Nathan Allen was thrilled.
“It’s always tough out there, so we’re very happy to walk away with six points,” he said.
Yarraville was determined from the first ball to last.
The Eagles were calm and composed with the bat on day one, batting out their 80 overs to compile 8-213.
“You’ve just got to be patient when you’re at Melton,” Allen said.
“If the bowler is bowling well, it’s very hard to score, so you’ve got to back yourself to bat 80 overs and if you can get past 200, you’re always in the game. We were able to do that.”
Aidan Salvado was the key to Yarraville’s competitive score.
The teenager carved out 91 from the top of the order in another impressive effort.
“Considering he’s a 16-year-old kid, he’s batting like he’s been doing it for 20 years,” Allen said.
“For him to go to probably the hardest ground in the competition to score runs – and nearly get 100 against a good bowling attack and a really slow outfield – just speaks volumes.”
Picture Gallery: Melton vs Yarraville
Lucas Nikoloski, the Eagles’ other up-and-comer, made a crucial 35 in the middle order. Matthew Harrison scored 27 and man of the match Matthew Grose added 18 not out.
Yarraville’s efforts with the ball on day two – one man short after speedster Nick Parish strained a hamstring during the week – were inspiring.
The Eagles bowled Melton out for 179 in 69.4 overs.
Grose was the star, taking an incredible 7-70 off 28.4 overs. The quick bowled 25 overs on the trot at one stage, helping Yarraville fill the void left by the injured Parish.
“To be honest, I didn’t want to take him off with the way he was bowling,” Allen said.
“He was getting plenty of swing and doing all the right things. I kept chatting with him every few overs to see how he was going and if he was happy, so we just kept him going.”
Spinner Allen snared 2-40 off 17 overs, including the key scalp of Melton top-scorer Ben MacRae for 64, to go with three catches.
Yarraville’s position in the top six is far from secure.
The Eagles will face eighth-placed Ormond in a mouth-watering encounter at Yarraville Oval in the penultimate round.
In other games, Altona obliterated Taylors Lakes by 117 runs. Shannon Clarke did the damage for the A’s with 5-33 off 20 overs.
Altona will be keen to stay in the winners’ circle when it entertains Melton at Grant Reserve on Saturday.
Williamstown suffered a five-wicket loss to Ormond and fell one spot down to fourth on the ladder as a result.
The Seagulls will host Elsternwick at Williamstown Cricket Ground on Saturday.
