Sunbury experience key to Dane's Proteas charge

SOUTH AFRICA wicketkeeper Dane Vilas believes his experiences with Sunbury in club cricket are adding a new dimension to his batting ahead of his battle for a Test spot later this summer.

Vilas, who played in one Test against England over the winter, has helped the reigning Surrey Championship winners to four wins out of four so far this season, with the man himself making 155 in his first game.

And the 30-year-old, who’s played seven internationals for South Africa, said: “My aim when coming here was to get a big score as soon as possible, get the flow of the game as early as you can and that takes the pressure off.

“It wasn’t so much team pressure, but what I had on myself, and getting a couple of boundaries early really helped that on the way.

“There’s an expectation at Sunbury, they’ve won the title last year so starting with four wins is fantastic. We’ve come through two really tough games, and the team is getting stronger which is great to see.

“Club cricket in England is a nice new challenge, the different wickets and variety of bowling helps to get together your game and develops you as a player.”

Vilas will fly out to Australia with the South Africa A side next month, while he also attended a spin camp in India either side of his Sunbury commitments.

But with his century at the start of May, as well as strong domestic performances for Cape Cobras back home, Johannesburg-born Vilas believes club cricket has helped him hit the form of his life.

“When you’re dropped from the Test team the only way to get back in is to prove yourself,” he added.

“I’m a cricketer, getting in that international team is what I want to do. So long as I keep scoring runs then I always have a chance of getting back in.

“I’m currently the best I’ve felt after the runs in South Africa. My understanding of the game is the highest it’s been, so now I just have to keep pushing.”

Sunbury remain in second in Surrey alongside Reigate Priory, as tons for Michael Burgess and former Worcestershire man Richard Oliver saw them complete an 109-run victory against Beddington.

Elsewhere, it was a good day for Neil Pinner in Birmingham, taking a five-for and hitting a century as Kidderminster beat Kenilworth Wardens.

County all-rounder Fabian Cowdrey helped Lordswood pick up their second win of the season in Kent – compiling 121 runs and figures of 3-35 against Dartford – though Tunbridge Wells top the table, with Mike Waller’s 80 important in a 27-run win over Bromley.

Bridgwater remain tied on points with Bristol atop the West of England as George Bartlett blasted 114 from 84 balls to hand them an 85-run win over Taunton, and Tristan de Beer struck 114 in Bristol’s 66-run win over Frocester.

Havant moved clear of South Wilts at the Southern Premier summit with an emphatic 173-run win over Ventnor, knocking over the visitors for just 84, while Plumtree remained top in Nottinghamshire despite losing to second-placed Kimberley Institute.

An unbeaten 84 from Adam Fisher kept Sheriff Hutton top of Yorkshire North with a sevenwicket win over Hull, though Stamford Bridge are hot on their heels after bowling out Castleford for 89.

Marske kept up their unbeaten start to the season with a North Yorkshire and South Durham Bank Holiday double over Norton and Guisborough, with Saeed Nasir becoming the third Marske player to score three consecutive Premier League tons, taking his club average beyond 75.

And Radlett continued their Hertfordshire dominance after beating Welwyn Garden City by ten wickets, thanks to Jon-Jon Smuts’ 152 not out.