Gilbee fireworks kick off season

By Chris Anderson
WITH wet conditions during the week, there was some doubt over whether the Yarra Valley Cricket Association would make a start on opening weekend of season 2011/12. Fortunately, the weather cleared long enough for both junior and senior cricket to make a start as scheduled.
The highlight for the weekend in the valley was the successful return of a high profile local as Western Bulldog player and former Coldstream junior, Lindsay Gilbee smashing 145 in Coldstream’s Strachan Shield clash against Yarra Junction. Ably supported by John Pignataro (54*) and Matt Johnson (41) they posted an impressive 5/287 and were too good for Yarra Junction who could only muster 3/158, with David Lever putting together 74 of those runs. A lot has been said of Coldstream’s returning stars and they didn’t fail to deliver.
Reigning premiers Seville began their title defence against Mt Evelyn. After a bright start, Mt Evelyn were unable to capitalise, and were bowled out before their allotted overs for 132 with Luke Jones adding 39 for the visitors while S. Morgan polished off the tail with 3/19. Seville’s innings never really gained any momentum of significance, and they were only able to post a paltry 97. John Aumann gave the home side a sniff with some lusty hitting. However, when he was dismissed for 47, Seville’s chances went with him.
Healesville and Silvan battled it out in an entertaining affair, with both sides posting reasonable scores even this early in the season. Ben Slater (66*) and Steve James (41) led Healesville to a total of 3/185 and that was enough to hold off Silvan who posted 7/177 led by Clint Sharman who made 83. Brad Chandler was the best of the bowlers from both sides with 4/33 and proved the difference between the two sides.
In the final Strachan Shield game, last year’s runners up Warburton Millgrove had enough to hold off a tough challenge from Woori Yallock. Led by the evergreen Brendan Woods (51) and Cam Darwall (5/25), their score of 9/144 was too good for Woori Yallock’s 126, with another proven champ in Mick King putting together 42 of those runs.
With Wandin’s late withdrawal from DJ Strachan Shield, Round 2 sees Hoddles Creek open their season against local rival Woori Yallock. In other matches Warburton-Millgrove take on neighbours Yarra Junction, improvers Healesville and Coldstream will get a gauge on how much they’ve improved in their clash, while two of last year’s semi finalists, Seville and Silvan, will round out what should be an entertaining and close fought round of cricket.
The juniors also kicked off their season in dewy conditions on Saturday morning. After weeks of preparation, the kids have been itching to get a game and with three Twenty20 games to kick off the season, the young players get their chance to sink their teeth into the game’s latest trend. Although many of the clubs had enough players to get games started, quite a few played short. So if anyone is interested in playing cricket, or knows anyone who is – including senior cricketers, go to the association website, yarravalley.cricketvictoria.com.au, and find the club contact under ‘Clubs’ on the home page.
Cricket is a wonderful game for all ages with all clubs being family-friendly environments.