Iona claim trophy
Iona have claimed the Sportlander Trophy for the first time from Warrandyte in their recent veterans cricket match.
Iona were sent into bat by the opposition and got off to a good start with openers Tony Wyatt and Craig Russell taking the score to 46 before Tony departed for a well compiled 28.
Craig Russell was joined by Russell Ferguson to carry on the scoring, both retiring on 25. Ron Lovell then came out swinging, blasting 40 before retiring also to help Iona to an intimidating 5/210 total after their 40 overs.
Captain Jeff Phillips also found some form to help contribute to the season best total with a well-made 21.
Warrandyte also started their innings well, before losing their first wicket with the score at 52. A couple of big partnerships kept them in the game with their fourth and last wicket falling at 162, with the team still needing 49 for victory.
In the end, Iona’s last nine overs only went for 34, seeing Warrandyte fall short at the end of their 40 overs by 10 runs, stranded at 4/201.
Each time the teams meet they play for the Sportlander Trophy, and after several seasons, Iona was able to finally claim the trophy for the first time.
New player Mick Scully was one of the best for Iona in the bowling attack, only conceding 31 runs off his allotted overs, while Craig Russell (2/21) and Jim Rowley (2/25) were among the wickets.
Player of the match was awarded to Iona’s Craig Russell for his innings of 25, alongside figures of 2/21 to help his side to victory.