By Tara Murray
Plenty Valley produced its best batting performance of the season on the back of two sensational innings against Ivanhoe in the
Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-south competition.
While the Bats started slow in the two-day match at AK Line Reserve, they found their groove and batted out their 80 overs.
It proved to be a big difference, as the Bats produced their highest score of the season, 7-279.
Simon Black and Callum Nankervis, who came together early in the innings after the loss of two early wickets, did most of the damage in two very different innings.
Black, who produced his first century for the Bats, finished with 106 after coming in at number four.
Bats captain Ryan Pearson said Black had taken his batting to a new level this season.
“Blacky has always batted low in the order,” he said.
“He’s taken it to another level with the way he is disciplined and able to anchor an innings.
“We are pretty attacking naturally, we needed that stability at the top of the order.
“He has been our most consistent player this season in relation to valuing his wicket.”
Pearson said Black’s innings was one of concentration and he was keen to bat through.
He was the last man out as the Bats pushed for more runs. Callum Nankervis got the Bats going early in the innings, making 87 at a run a ball.
He and Black put on 119 for the third wicket partnership. Pearson said Nankervis is one of the best players in the competition.
PHOTO GALLERY: Plenty Valley vs Ivanhoe
He has made four scores of 40 or more in six matches this season.
“There was a little bit in the wicket early on and they were bowling really straight and tight,” Pearson said.
“We were 11 off eight overs, when Callum came in and started taking them on.
“He deserved a 100, he could have made 150.”
Pearson also praised youngster Vihanga Fernando who has stepped up in recent weeks with the bat.
He made 46 on Saturday.
“He was sensational last week and he’s showing that he is comfortable at this level,” Pearson said.
“He was the aggressive one in his partnership with Blacky at one stage. Blacky wanted to anchor the innings and bat out the overs.
“For a young guy to look so comfortable and batting with flare is really good.”
Pearson said the innings showed what happens when they bat out their overs, which they haven’t been able to do in a couple of matches.
“We’ve spoke about that all year, to bat the 80 overs,” he said.
“Two wickets down at tea, gave us a real launch pad.”
A win will cement the Bats spot in the top six the innings.
