In an exciting round of matches on March 12, 2024, the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association T20 competition showcased remarkable performances, including a thrilling super over and an explosive innings of 142 runs off just 41 balls. The competition, which is entering its second round, continues to gain momentum across all divisions.
League registrar Dean Bryden expressed his satisfaction with the growth of the competition. “We’ve got 24 sides this season,” he stated. “The standard of the competition is up there with the best in the state. The amount of great players we have is impressive, and we can have four guest players in the top division.” With nearly 30 years of experience in the league, Bryden is witnessing a remarkable enhancement in the quality of play.
Highlights of an Action-Packed Evening
The top division is comprised of last season’s four finalists, along with the fifth and sixth-placed teams, ensuring a competitive atmosphere. Development teams are also being fielded in lower grades, with several clubs entering additional teams. This structure allows for a diverse range of talent to compete.
In one of the standout matches, Altona Sports faced off against Tarneit Central, who had previously won the championship for two consecutive years. The match ended dramatically in a super over after both teams scored 163 runs. Amrit Nagra top-scored for Tarneit with 43 runs, while Prashant Krishna took four wickets for Altona Sports.
Altona’s captain, Scott Edwards, who is also the captain of the Netherlands national team, starred with the bat, making 60 runs. Bryden noted the strategy leading to the super over: “We knew we had Scott for the super over, so it was just push it out to the last ball and push it to a super over.”
In the super over, Altona finished with a score of 9-163. Tarneit scored just 2 runs and lost a wicket, with Tom Harrison contributing to the pressure with a run-out. Edwards then delivered in the super over, scoring 20 not out to secure the victory for Altona Sports.
Outstanding Individual Performances
Elsewhere in the competition, Glen Orden achieved a commanding win against Truganina United, scoring an impressive 3-262. Vice-captain Jagmeet Brar shone brightly, smashing 142 runs and hitting an astonishing 16 sixes and 9 fours. Truganina could only muster 104 runs in response, with bowler Ravikumar Tailor taking 5 wickets for just 10 runs.
In another match, Williams Landing triumphed over Manor Lakes, finishing with 3-215. Harneet Singh led the scoring with an impressive 122 runs off 51 balls, while Manor Lakes fell short with a total of 154 runs.
The Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association’s T20 competition continues to attract attention and talent, reinforcing its reputation as a premier league in the state. As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and outstanding individual performances.
