Inspired Vikings break through
ALEXANDER Thomson remains on the bottom of the GCA2 ladder but captaincoach James Syddall says the Vikings are “pretty rapt about where we are” after a breakthrough win on Saturday.
Syddall said it was important to recognise life member Noel Balaam, whose ashes were scattered across Highton Reserve pre-game in a moving service, in the four-wicket win over St Peter’s.
“That played a massive part in the way that we played yesterday as well,” he said.
“I made a point to the boys that we’d done well to get down here and pay our respects but to actually do something about it when it comes to cricket and follow it up with a good win.”
Syddall punched holes in St Peter’s top-order by removing Ford brothers Mitch, Luke and Billy and fourth-gamer Brodie Craig to have the visitors 4-46, claiming the figures of 4-24 from 10 overs, including two maidens.
Opener Hayden Illingworth led the recovery with 61 before No. 10 Josh Jackson (23) lifted the Saints to a competitive total of 150.
Mitch Hand (28) and Bailey Forssman (29) provided a steady start in their opening stand of 56 before AT wobbled at 5-111 when Syddall was dismissed for 11. But Jack Clapham went at better than a run a ball in his 23 in a 36-run partnership with Lewis Page (18 not out) to see the hosts home in the 49th over.
Hand batted for 109 deliveries over more than two hours in an innings that put down the foundation for the run chase, Syddall said.
“Mitchy Hand set us up beautifully,” he said. “He really set us up nicely for Jack and myself to come in a little bit and push the runs on with wickets in hand.
“Mitch flies under the radar a little bit with his ability. No one really takes much notice of him.”
Syddall said he hoped the win would provide the Vikings with a “little bit of momentum heading into Christmas”.
“We’re pretty rapt about where we are at the moment,” he said.
“We’ve been in games but just haven’t been able to execute our skill 100 per cent correctly.
“If we stick to our game plan and take those chances, we’re among it, that’s for sure.”