Two weeks ago, Plenty Valley was more than a little wounded by a shock loss to Kew.
But, still hurt by the defeat, the Bats get the chance for early revenge when they meet Kew again in the opening round of the Victorian Sub‐District Cricket’s north‐east finals.
Bats’ coach Michael Sheedy said his side was more than ready take on Kew again.
“It is nice to get the chance to play them again within three weeks,” Sheedy said.
“It doesn’t happen often.
“It’s still burning for us. They did what they had to do to make finals but we finished on top for a reason.”
The final round saw the order of the top six change dramatically, with the Bats going in third but coming out on top.
The victory over top‐of‐the‐ladder Mt Waverley was enough for last year’s premiers to secure a home final.
“It was what we set out to achieve, to finish in the top two,” Sheedy said.
“I was pretty stoked with the team effort from yesterday.”
On paper, the Bats’ scored of 9‐163 seemed below par, but Sheedy said it was the exact opposite.
“The pitch was up and down with variable bounce,” he said.
“It was bowler‐friendly and to scrap and fight to 163 was a really good effort.”
Star English opener Will Wright top‐scored with 64, with fellow internationals Sanjaya Chathuranga (25) and Sunan Rubaiyat (19 not out) doing damage with the bat late in the innings.
“It was English‐like conditions and Will waited and had great patience,” Sheedy said.
“He is a committed individual who continues to shine when it’s tough.
“They were super important contributions from Suni and Rubi, too.
“Rubi was brilliant in the last three overs and Suni hit two sixes in a row off their spinner, which changed the momentum.”
Mt Waverley was bowled out for 139 in reply.
“Mitch’s [Brad Mitchell] his leadership was outstanding,” Sheedy said.
“There’s been a little bit of individual cricket in the last six months, so we’ve made a focus of really batting and bowling as a team.
“The fielding was amazing, with three run outs in the innings.”
Sean Ayres, Simon Bray and Chathuranga took two wickets each.
The senior side is one of three Bats sides in finals, with two of them going for back‐to‐back flags.
“We’ve got our chance to write our own history,” Sheedy said.
ROXBURGH Park Broadmeadows finished its season on a high with victory Endeavour Hills.
At the end of what has been a disappointing season, the Falcons easily chased down Endeavour Hills’ score of 181, skipper Adam Yates leading the way with 55 in his side’s score of 7‐183.
The Falcons finish the season in 10 th place with three wins.
