YARRAVILLE took full toll on a Melton bowling attack minus Shane Harwood on its daunting trip to MacPherson Park in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association on Saturday.
Harwood, a long-time Victorian star and one-time Australian international, broke down with an elbow injury after just three deliveries.
It left a massive void in the Lions’ attack and the Eagles did not let an opportunity slip, posting a massive 9-277 off 80 overs.
Eagles assistant coach George Shaw said that while it was handy not having to face up to a bowler of Harwood’s ability, his batsmen were disappointed not to get the chance to test themselves against a returning international.
“When you have a guy like that back in sub-district cricket after playing for Australia, you want to make certain that you have the opportunity to play against those guys,” he said.
“It’s disappointing for Melton and for himself so hopefully he’s all right.”
It turned into the Matthew Harrison show.
A boom off-season signing with Premier Cricket experience, Harrison played every shot in the book on his way to 124, his second ton since his arrival. “He’s a first class player,” Shaw said. “He plays 360 [degrees]. He set our innings up.”
Harrison has become a great leader on and off the field for the Eagles.
“He’s not only come in as our professional player, he’s come in as a real quality person,” Shaw said.
“He looks after all our kids and he trains hard on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We’re blessed to have him at our club.”
Harrison was able assisted by youngster Bradley Shaw, who posted his first half century as a firsts cricketer and featured in a 123-run stand with Harrison.
“When you bat with class players, they make it easier for yourself because he takes all the pressure off the young boy coming through,” George Shaw said of his son.
“He enjoyed the day batting with ‘Harro’.”
Late runs from Alex Hewet (27), Daniel Torre (26 not out) and Josh Raymer (12) inflated the total above par.
“A par score up there is 250, so if that’s the case, we’re in the game, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” Shaw said.
“They’re a quality batting side, so we have to bowl well and take our catches to win.”
VSDCA RESULTS:
Firsts: Ormond 1-7 v Williamstown 179 (C Sheedy 101), Melton v Yarraville 9-277 (M Harrison 124, B Shaw 50, A Hewet 27, D Torre 26no), Sunshine v Altona 9-259.
Seconds: Williamstown 6-324 (J Craigie 91, N Kalaiya 56, M Ferrie 51no, N Rainone 34, J Smith 32) v Ormond, Altona 6-267dec (C Duff 124no, L Wilson 96) v Sunshine 1-17, Yarraville v Melton 8-290 (P Cruden 3-89, J Keenan 2-43, P Prestidge 2-47).
Thirds: Melton 114 (M Findlay 2-10, J Lee 2-15, J Kerr 2-15, J Torr 2-28) v Yarraville 1-66 (P Galea 26no), Sunshine 275 (B Murfet 4-67, N Birthisel 3-36) v Altona, Plenty Valley 3-16 v Williamstown 194 (J Doyle 52, J Paulsen 35, M Dervan 30).
Fourths: Williamstown 273 (J Slee 72, A Rainone 59, J Kilpatrick 45, T Ball 28, M Brown 27) v Plenty Valley, Yarraville 3-150 (H Bienvenu 68, L Richardson 62no) v Melton 91 (C Jamieson 3-17, S Tyrrell 2-2, C Maguire 2-9, S Hall 2-12), Altona 166 (V Cutajar 67no, M Cullen 27) v Sunshine 3-53.
