Vikings show fight in thriller
ALEXANDER Thomson shocked last season’s grand finalist Modewarre in a Round 1 boilover at Highton Reserve, fighting back from a perilous position to claim a finalover victory.
Modewarre was cruising at 1-130 in pursuit of the Vikings’ 190, but stunningly collapsed to lose 9-55 to be all out in the last over six runs short of victory.
Vikings captain Jay Dunstan said the win would do wonders for his group’s belief going forward in what promises to be a highly competitive division.
“There’s massive belief in the group,” Dunstan said. “We’re pretty much a bunch of young guys, so to beat a top side like that gives us massive confidence for the year.
“We were in a bit of strife when they were about 1-130, so to come out with the win and fight hard like we did was really good.”
Youngster Kieren Helwig sparked the stunning turnaround with the ball, taking four wickets inside three overs to turn the game on its head.
Eighteen-year-old English import Dan Harris also impressed in the comeback, following up his 53 with the bat with some clutch death bowling to help steal victory.
“Kieren Helwig’s second spell was enormous taking four-for, that was massive,” Dunstan said.
“Especially as a 17-year-old, to step up like that was impressive.
“Even Dan Harris’s death bowling taking a couple of wickets at the end was very good.
“He’s a young 18-year-old looking to have a crack at cricket in Australia and he’s exciting to have around the club. We weren’t too sure how he’d go, but it looked like he was pretty capable of playing out here.”
Earlier, the Vikings were put in to bat by Modewarre skipper Luke Davidson and the decision looked to be justified as they slumped to 3-29.
Veteran Michael Cox (42) and Harris, however, salvaged the innings with some intelligent batting, putting on 36 runs that proved to be vital before Harris shepherded the Vikings to their respectable total of 190.