Tara Murray
The first round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s senior division was full of drama on Saturday with three matches going down to the final over.
After being cancelled the last five weekends, the competition kicked off with a bang.
The result of the Deer Park and St Albans match is being disputed after a controversial run out call.
The Saints made 7-178 from their overs with Arosh Janoda top scoring with 50. Lachlan Fitzgerald was the pick of the bowlers for Deer Park, taking three wickets.
Deer Park fell two runs short of victory, losing its last wicket on the final ball from a run out.
The Lions were all out for 177. Sohail Hussain was run out at the non-strikers end while backing up.
Hashan Wanasekara top scored with 42.
Deer Park on its social media said, “only a controversial ending prevented them from recording a maiden victory”.
Sunshine United snuck home in the final over against Craigieburn.
The Eagles made 8-173 from their 40 overs with Samuel Karamoshou top scoring with 36.
Matthew Sipala was the pick of the bowlers for the Tigers with four wickets.
The Tigers needed all but four balls to get the runs, finishing 6-176.
Hamza Ali, who was on debut for the Tigers finished with 46. The Eagles shared the wickets around.
The Westmeadows and Yarraville Club match also went down to the wire, with the Warriors sneaking home.
The Warriors were bowled out for 156 in the final over of their innings. Aaron Evans top scored with 60.
Mitch Johnstone and Ashley Sweet took three wickets each for the Clubbers.
The match came down to the final ball with Jackson Martin being run out, leaving the Clubbers all out for 155.
Johnstone top scored with 44. Pathum De Mel took three wickets for the Warriors.
Keilor started the season with a solid win against the Druids.
Keilor made 9-120 from its overs with Chetan Arjun top scoring with 28. The Druids were bowled out 85 in the 33rd over.
Keilor shared the wickets with four players taking two wickets each.
In the grand final rematch, Haig Fawkner again came out on top against Aberfeldie.
Abers made 4-199 from their overs with Haig Fawkner passing the total five wickets down.
Haig Fawkner finished 5-202.
