KEILOR was on top at stumps on day three against Doutta Stars in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association north division grand final at Overland Reserve after a “lion-hearted” display from opening bowler Dan Schuppan.
Schuppan, a former district and sub-district speedster, tore through the Stars with 4-59 off 24.2 overs to have them all out for 195 in 92.4 overs.
The Stars crumbled in the first session of the third day to lose 4-35 in 13 overs, putting the Blues in prime position.
Schuppan sparked the innings collapse with a wicket with his fourth ball of the day.
“He attacks the batsmen at every opportunity,” Blues coach Nigel Freebairn said.
“He just never gives in. That wicket with the fourth ball was really telling.”
The Blues made an encouraging start to their run chase to be 3-133 at the close of play.
That left the minor premiers with 63 runs to get with seven wickets in hand.
Freebairn was thrilled with his players’ handling of the conditions.
“It wasn’t easy to bat out there,” he said. “It was dark and gloomy.
“I spoke to the boys after the game and they said it was difficult to pick up the ball with the dark backdrop. They really toughed it out.”
The innings was built on the rock-solid foundations of Liam Ryan (35) and Syed Ali Hussain (42).
The pair took the score to 54 before the loss of Ryan.
Hussain enjoyed a 20-run stand with Shaun Guerra (six) and a further 32 with captain Danny Law before his dismissal on 106.
Law (30) and former club captain Matt Willmott (14) were still alive at stumps.
While the Blues held the upper hand, victory was not a fait accompli with runs on the last day of a grand final notoriously hard to come by.
“Tomorrow is a new day,” Freebairn said.
“It’s a grand final and there’s always added pressure batting second.”
FINAL SCORES: Keilor (3-197) d Doutta Stars (195).
