In DJ Strachan Shield, Yarra Junction bounced back from their disappointing collapse against Warburton-Millgrove with a moral boosting victory against association front-runners Seville. In the process, they have kept themselves in touch with the top four, and have proven their credentials in the premiership race despite the slip up last round. In a great game of cricket befitting a final itself, Seville batted first and in a similar innings to last week, it posted a competitive total of 7/158 on the back of another useful contribution from Ryan Akers (40). The Blues would’ve been fairly pleased with the total, and knowing the fragility of the Eagles batting line-up, knew they were only a few key wickets from victory. Things seemed to go to plan for the home side as they were able to extract the keys to Yarra Junction’s resistance with little expense, however a guiding knock of 50 from Matt Robinson steered the Eagles to victory. With handy partnerships across the whole innings, the visitors were able to maintain the required run rate, and enough wickets in hand, to polish off the victory in the 39th over by two wickets.
The victory was vital to Yarra Junction’s season, as a loss would’ve put them in danger of slipping behind the pack. Instead, they now find themselves in a big clash against Mount Evelyn where a win will see them back inside the top four.
With four rounds remaining, Round 11 promises to be the most important of them all with all three games having great reward. For Seville and Warburton-Millgrove, it’s top of the ladder. For Mount Evelyn and Yarra Junction, it’s a place in the top four.
RA Finger Trophy
Seville 3/204 (J. McInness 53no, J. Smith 53, R. Oates 49) d Yarra Junction 7/124 (A. Doolan 50, L. Johnson 2/38), Hoddles Creek 6/100 (M. Jones 26, B. Johnson 3/18, S. Morgan 2/9) l/t Woori Yallock 5/115 (T. Smith 51, S. Morgan 30, J. Pobke 3/17), Healesville 6/134 (B. Horner 56, B. Scanlon 25 J. Thompson 2/26 T Appleton 2/31) d Warburton-Millgrove 9/130 (C. Morgan 46 M. Hadj 18 M. Davern 4/24 L. Daly 2/29), Coldstream 4/220 (D Olliffe 74, S. Phillips 58no, L. Pickett 53) d Mount Evelyn 202 (J. Fraser 72, J. Williams 31, A. Whiting 29, C. Steele 3/28, C. Dikshei 3/53).
