Kelly’s heroes bounce back to reel in the Eagles
GUILD-SAINTS skipper Steve Kelly has heaped praise on his side’s resilience after its maiden win of the season over Waurn Ponds-Deakin.
The six-wicket win comes just a week after being bundled out for 51 in pursuit of 125 against Alexander Thomson.
Questions were asked as to whether his side had the fortitude to chase down a score after the opening round defeat, but Kelly was proud of the way his team responded on Saturday, comfortably chasing down the Eagles’ 9-217 inside 41 overs.
“I actually said during the week that I couldn’t see our batting line-up performing like last week again this year. We were really hopeful it was a once off and put it behind us,” Kelly said.
“I knew last week was a really bad performance, but we’ve got a much better line-up than to be bowled out for 60 so I remained confident.”
After being asked to bowl first, the Saints couldn’t find the same consistency that helped them skittle the Vi- kings for 125, with Waurn Ponds amassing 217 off 50 overs.
Despite Kelly admitting to “mixed thoughts” at the break as to whether the batting line up could respond, John McLaren (89 not out) and opener David Middleton (45) led the successful chase, reaching the total with only the loss of four wickets.
The Saints captain also credited unheralded teenage leg spinner Bailey Kelly (2-22 off eight overs) for turning the tide of the bowling performance, when the game looked to be escaping Guild.
“They got on top of us a little bit in the middle period of the game, but I brought on Bailey and he was the dif- ference. He broke the big partnership and bowled an absolute treat,” the Guild skipper said of his young leggie.
“To be hit for just 22 runs as a legspinner and pick up two wickets as well, it was a fantastic effort for a 16year old.”
McLaren and Middleton anchored the innings, with youngster Daniel Robinson (33 not out) applying the finishing touches.
The chase of 217 was also significant for the Saints, as they failed to cross the 200-run mark in every firstgrade match last summer.
“217 was a bit of a daunting target but I had faith in our batsman,” Kelly said.