CAMBERWELL Magpies star Simon O’Brien has thrown his support behind more top-level cricket matches at Yarrawonga.
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S. Hargreaves Oval played host to Camberwell’s clash with Carlton in Victorian Premier Cricket on Saturday, with the Magpies winning a close 50-over battle.
O’Brien, who grew up in Wangaratta, said he couldn’t fault the facilities or pitch, which generated 473 runs and 11 wickets.
“It was brilliant and I couldn’t praise it any higher,” O’Brien said.
“Not just the facilities but the man hours to make it happen as well.
“They were really proud of the fact they got a District game and I couldn’t see why they wouldn’t in the future.
“For both teams to get 240 you couldn’t ask for much more.
“There was a bit in it for the bowlers with the new ball.
“It was a good cricket wicket.”
As part of the Bush Bash round, Wangaratta’s Bill O’Callaghan Oval played host to Ringwood’s 11-run win over Frankston Penninsula.
At Yarrawonga, Camberwell won the toss and sent Carlton in, with captain Lachie McKenna rock solid at the top of the order.
McKenna made 46 while Harrison Smyth top-scored with an unbeaten 86, as Carlton finished its 50 overs with a defendable total of 7-236.
O’Brien (2-49) was one of three Magpies to take multiple scalps, while former Wangaratta Magpies all-rounder Chris Thewlis took a telling catch.
Magpies veteran Simon Hill looked solid before falling for 25, but captain Brendan Drew (57 not out) and Thomas Russ (55) steadied the ship.
Camberwell passed the total with six wickets in hand and 4.2 overs to spare.
“We probably got out of jail a bit,” O’Brien said.
“The scorecard doesn’t reflect how tight it was.
“The batsmen saved us to an extent.
“Brendan Drew’s innings was pretty handy and Chris Thewlis supported him at the end and we got home.”
