By Tara Murray
A Ryan Pearson master class helped launch Plenty Valley into the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-east grand final.
A stand-out all season, Pearson was at his damaging best, firstly with the ball and then bat, as the Bats upset minor premier Brunswick at the weekend.
Bats captain-coach James Dickinson couldn’t was full of praise for Pearson..
“It’s just reward for effort,” Dickinson said.
“He loves his cricket and he works hard. He’s always in the game, with the bat or ball or taking catches in second slip.
“Hopefully, he’ll cap it off next week.”
The Bats won through to the decider against Noble Park with a big win against Brunswick, a partnership between Pearson (98) and Daniel Heatley (41) setting up the win.
They put on 105 for the third wicket partnership, before Callum Nankervis (71) came to the crease to continue the hitting.
At 3-176, the Bats looked on track for a huge score, before spinner Tim Daykin did some damage late to restrict the total to 237.
Dickinson said the Bats had mixed feelings about the total.
“I would have taken 240 at the start of the day,” he said.
“Heatley and ‘Pearso’ really stood up to their quicks and it was a match-winning partnership in the end.
“It was a bit sour finish to the innings, but in the end 240 was a good score.”
Photo Gallery: Plenty Valley vs Brunswick
The Bats started well with the ball to have Brunswick on the back foot early on. Pearson came on and ran through the Brunswick batsmen, taking 6-42 as Brunswick was bowled out for 135.
The Bats needed just four bowlers to get the job done.
For Pearson, the spell was a career best. He has 27 wickets this season.
Dickinson said injuries to veteran Sean Ayres had opened up the opportunity for Pearson to bowl more.
The Bats will face Noble Park at Noble Park in the grand final this weekend. The Bats beat Noble Park during the season.
Dickinson said they were hoping for another performance like the one they delivered against Brunswick.
“Hopefully, we can put it on the park,” he said. “If we turn up and perform I feel we are a big chance.”
Dickinson said there could be a possible change to the side for the grand final.
Dayne Smith missed the weekend’s match with a back injury and will be monitored during the week.
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www.starweekly.com.au/sports/melton-loses-a-thriller/
