Double ton for star Laker

Nathan Phillips slog sweeps during his epic 200 at Rutter Park on Saturday. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS 174937_08

By Nick Creely

Aura Vale champion Nathan Phillips describes himself as a “superstitious” cricketer, one determined to do anything it takes to win a premiership with his beloved Lakers.
And on Saturday in the Lakers’ Sub-District clash with Tooradin, Phillips crashed and bashed the boundaries at Rutter Park for 48.3 overs of sheer brutality, all with crucial outright points firmly in his mind.
Phillips ended on an incredible 201 not out – his first double century for the club – in a knock that featured 30 fours and two sixes.
Although the Lakers couldn’t dismiss the Gulls in the second dig to claim the outright, it was a significant day for the star opener for a variety of reasons.
“The most exciting part for me was having my son (Patrick) there, he’s only three weeks old and it was the first time he watched me bat so that was pretty good,” he told the Gazette.
“I’m superstitious with my cricket, and I didn’t want my partner (Aisha) to come watch, every time she does I always seem to fail, but I thought there was a chance for Patrick to come and be a part of the club for the first time even though it was out at Tooradin, and it was just so special.”
With the Gulls dismissed for 117 on day in just 50 overs, Phillips returned to the crease on Saturday with 74 runs already next to his name, and explained how day two unfolded and where it rates among the best of a host of brilliant centuries.
“Our goal last week was to just bat the overs (on day one), and we were just told we were going to bat 20 overs on day two and achieve the outright, and I got the hundred after only six or seven overs,” he said.
“I thought I’d just have a crack and try and get as many runs as possible, and luckily it was a big ground and I could afford to hit it in the air – they just kept bowling short, and the hook shot is my favourite shot, so it worked well.
“It was a pretty good feeling, and even better that we got the win with Patrick there, but unfortunately we didn’t get the outright.
“To get 200 is obviously a pretty good achievement, but I’ve had some other tons where the game’s been on the line and I’ve stepped up, but making 100 for my club is honestly the best feeling – I love my club,” he said.
After finishing last in their first season in the WGCA Sub-District Division in 2016/17, The Lakers are well and truly in the hunt for a finals spot, and sit in fifth spot after a dominant last two rounds of cricket.
Phillips explained where the improvement has come from, and remains bullish about what his Lakers can achieve this season.
“We had five players out from the week before against Tooradin – our bowling’s definitely been our strength – Webby (Christian Webb), Swinny (Daniel Swinburne) have been awesome with the ball, and the best part is we’re all working as a team as a bowling unit,” he said.
“Our fielding’s improved too, and that’s been the biggest thing that’s cost us at times.
“Our coach Owen Thorne also had a chat to us batsmen prior to the game and said that only one bloke had made a 50 for the year, so it was a big focus on the top five and six setting the standard for the rest of the group.
“We’re in great form and looking for respect within the WGCA – all I want to do is win a premiership with this club.”
The Lakers will clash with Pakenham at Toomuc Reserve in Round 6, as they continue to push for a finals position.