Power: Connor Holland gets one away for Central Park-St Brendan’s.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
As far as statements on a cricket field go you aren’t likely to see many more powerful than what Central Park-St Brendan’s produced against Tatura at Deakin Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
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Inspired by a blistering 130 from captain Brendan Scott and a classy 81 not out by coach Tyler Larkin, the Tigers put a hapless Tatura to the sword posting a monstrous 2-301, before backing it up with ball in hand to dismiss the Bulldogs for 99.
Thinking things through: Tatura’s Blake Armstrong ponders at the top of his mark.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
A result that continued to solidify Central Park’s status as premiership favourite, Larkin was full of praise for his squad’s ability maintain its strong momentum following the Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield Christmas break.
“To play as well as we did following the extended break through Christmas and then COVID was really pleasing,” Larkin said.
A helping hand: Tatura’s Jayden Armstrong supports a teammate.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“It gives us great confidence that we can pick up from where we left off before the break and continue to produce our best cricket week in and week out.”
Winning the toss and batting first in perfect conditions, openers Scott and Connor Holland came out with a positive intent in the hope of unsettling talented Tatura fast bowling duo Jayden and Blake Armstrong.
Talking tactics: Central Park-St Brendan’s openers Brendan Scott and Connor Holland talk things over.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Posting 89 for the first wicket, Larkin would come to the crease and pick up the slack immediately as he and Scott sent the Bulldogs to all parts of Deakin Reserve in a devastating 159-run stand.
With the platform well and truly set, Rhiley Lau would join his coach in the dying stages and continue to pile on the pain, with his 36 off 19 balls lifting the Tigers past 300.
Pushing hard: Tiger Brendan Scott runs hard between the wickets.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Larkin said Scott’s innings provided the perfect platform for his side as it went about nullifying Tatura’s in-form bowling attack.
“We actually spoke about (Tatura’s bowling attack) a fair bit, we didn’t go in there underestimating them and knew their bowling was really up to standard, so we just went in with the mindset of being proactive against them,” he said.
“Brendan (Scott) and Connor Holland got us off to the perfect start, we wanted to go out there and be really positive, but not stupid, and he got that spot on as he played with aggression early and when the field went out was really smart with the way he went about it.”
Long day: Tatura wicketkeeper Matt Cornwall tries to lift the spirits.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“To not just get a hundred, but put together a big hundred, it was a really big statement from him and all the boys are just rapt for him.”
With the game well and truly in control at the halfway point, Central Park was determined to continue its dominance, with a fantastic mix of youth and experience ripping Tatura’s run chase to pieces.
Piercing the gap: Central Park-St Brendans batter Connor Holland takes it to the bowler.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Larkin said it was fantastic to see the bowlers back up the batting unit and put the finishing touches on what was a complete performance.
“Backing up our batting with a fantastic bowling performance and I thought we did that, we had a few boys come in and take their first wickets which was also exciting,” he said.
Steaming in: Tatura’s Jayden Armstrong gives it his all.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“All in all, it was just a fantastic day to be out on the park.”
THE GAME
Central Park-St Brendan’s 2-301 (Brendan Scott 130, Tyler Larkin 81 not out, Rhiley Lau 36) d Tatura 99 (Matt Cornwall 23, Rhiley Lau 2-10, James Lloyd 2-11)
STAR PLAYER
Brendan Scott (Central Park-St Brendan’s): Wanting to make a statement from the first ball, everything Tigers captain Brendan Scott touched turned to gold as he plundered his way to a breathtaking 130. Showcasing his aggressive stroke play and impeccable cricket smarts, the opener’s innings paved the way for a near-perfect batting performance by his team.
