By Chris Handasyde
Healesville 147 defeated by St Andrews 6/150
Playing at St Andrews’ home ground in Wantirna, Healesville captain Scott Fawdry won the toss and elected to bat. Openers Max Wallace and Brenton Damrow got the Bloods off to a steady start until Damaz was bowled for 10 with the score on 17. Jonny Heywood came to the crease and was watchful early and put on a 20-run partnership until Max Wallace was run out for 18. Losing constant wickets was Healesville’s downfall as the score reached 6/84. Ben Wallace and Scott Fawdry steadied the innings putting on a 37-run partnership but Ben Wallace was then bowled and Curtis Adamson followed soon after and the Bloods were in trouble at 8/125. Scott Fawdry was caught on 33 and Jack Drummond scored 12 before he was bowled and the innings was over at 147. Early wickets were going to be vital against the top team. Tom Dalley and Jack Drummond opened the bowling with Tom capturing 2 early wickets and St Andrews were 2/29. Riley Cameron got a caught and bowled so now it was 3/43. Healesville were pressing for another wicket or two before stumps but it wasn’t to be and overnight St Andrews was 3/53. On day two, Healesville went back to their opening bowlers Tom Dalley and Jack Drummond in pursuit of wickets. But a match-winning partnership of 79 was built before Max Wallace captured their fourth wicket when the score was on 122. A couple of late wickets had St Andrews on 6/146 before they passed the Healesville score. Congratulations to St Andrews who finished top of the ladder and proved to be the best team this season. Sitting last on the ladder with four rounds left, who would have thought Healesville were going to make finals let alone be playing in the Grand Final. The spirited fightback late in the season was impressive.
The Healesville Cricket Club’s Senior Presentation Night will be held on Friday 19 April from 6pm at the Healesville RSL.
