By Mark Murray
REIGNING premier Yarraville Club got out of jail against Youlden Parkville on Saturday in a stunning result to their Victorian Turf Cricket Association (VTCA) match.
Chasing 240 for victory, the match looked over when Youlden Parkville had Yarraville Club reeling at 9/171.
But a heroic 10th wicket partnership between Mark Williams and Nathan Bischa saved the day. The pair stunned the opposition with a stunning batting performance, Williams showing his potential with an unbeaten 73.
Bischa’s 26 not out was just as valuable, the pair resurrecting Yarraville Club’s innings and securing first innings points. At stumps Yarraville Club was 9/268.
“It was an unbelievable effort from Mark and Nathan to get us over the line,” captain Michael O’Keeffe said. “We were gone and really did get out of jail.
“When we were nine down for 170 or so I though it was all over, but Mark batted with maturity and made something out of nothing.
“I think you’ll find he could bat anywhere from five to eight this summer and he has an important role with us bowling his leg spin.”
O’Keeffe believes Saturday’s escape could be the wake-up call his side needs.
Yarraville Club has won the past two flags and will be the hunted this summer.
“I think we might have taken them a bit easy and nearly paid for it,” O’Keeffe said. “It could be a good lesson for us and it’s a positive that it’s early in the year.
“We have a lot of improving to do.”
Keilor attempted to snatch an outright victory against Hampton on Saturday, but had to settle for first innings points at the Keilor Recreation Reserve.
After rolling Hampton for 85 last week, Keilor declared at 7/180 on Saturday and hoped it could repeat the bowling performance on the first day of play. Hampton who finished 6/102.
In other VTCA results South Caulfield toppled Spotswood, Doutta Stars rolled McKinnon, Royal Park/Brunswick was too good for Old Essendon Grammarians while Altona North beat Chelsea.
