Vikings charge to victory

With a Player of the Match performance from Barwon’s Craig Whitehand (2-3 from three overs and 64*), the Vikings claimed victory after chasing down the set total of 8-174.

Hosted by Fitzroy Doncaster Cricket Club, the Vikings, the state’s all abilities representative team, won the toss and elected to bowl.

The Harmony in Cricket XI started well with the bat with Michael Wright (31) and late inclusion Gavan Hicks (33) combining for a 49-run partnership.

Croydon Ranges’ Sean Double (34) continued to lift the run rate however, some tight bowling from Whitehand saw the Vikings keep the Harmony in Cricket XI to 8-174.

Vikings captain Daynah Hopkins also proved handy with the ball, scalping 2-26 from six overs.

In reply, the Harmony in Cricket XI claimed early wickets, leaving the Vikings at 2-38 in the opening overs.

However, Whitehand and Hopkins (52*) again showed their value, inching their team closer to victory before they were both retired.

A 24-run knock from Harley Bushell and an unbeaten 22 youngster Lachlan MacRae saw the Vikings reach their total at 8-198, taking a two wicket-win.

Wickets for the Harmony in Cricket XI were shared among the group with Hicks (3-32), Gareth Alsem (2-18) and Jamie Ronaldson (2-33) all contributing.