Veterans gunning for promotion

ALTHOUGH they didn’t catch a premiership hat-trick, Victoria Country will be gunning for promotion to B Grade for next summer’s Victorian Veterans Cricket action.

Captain of the VC team Craig Green said the Bloods were keen to step up a grade after a record of two premierships and runner-up.

“We are hoping that our play during the season and such a closely-fought grand final will lead to promotion for next season.”

Victoria Country faced Keilor in last Sunday’s grand final at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

At the halfway mark of its innings, Keilor was 2-86 off 18 overs.

Elvis Kliman scored 43 retired as Venebles 26; Wynhum 24, played key roles in reaching 6-193.

Victoria Country’s attack was led by Michael Stephens 2-25, Daryl Rooks 2-34 and Neil Phillips 2-16.

After starting with a four, Brian Knight was bowled on the second ball in the chase.

The Bloods were 2-86 off 18 overs as Rooks, 41 retired off 53 balls, and Green, 26 off 30, batted brilliantly.

Travis Beck 36, Ian Clemens 35, and Ross Brown 19, lifted the score to 4-158 off 29 overs.

The Bloods fell to 8-182 and needed 12 at two overs to go.

Two run outs in the last over meant VC was all out 188.

“Having runs on the board always creates great pressure on the side batting second,” said Green.

“To Keilor’s credit it batted brilliantly on a pitch not easy to play on.

“We fought hard, but they were just too good.”