Liam's a sure thing

Liam's a sure thing


Moonee Valley batsman/wicketkeeper Liam Shaw blasted his way into the record books with a whirlwind century for the Fifths in the first game back after the Christmas break.
Normally a fixture in the Sixths where he plays with mates, Liam stepped up a grade because his usual team was not due to resume until the following week.
The Fifths were glad to borrow him for a week, as his 128 not out iced a terrific win to have the team well in contention for finals action.
Liam's achievements in the match included:
* Five sixes off what became the last over of the game - just six runs short of the Moonee Valley all-time record.
* A 122-run unbeaten partnership with skipper Dan Terzini.
* 12 sixes and 9 fours for the match.
* Three catches as keeper - all of his good mate Dom Rettino.
Above: The scoreboard could still only tell half the story of Liam Shaw's whirlwind innings of 128 not out.
Liam has a batting average of 215 over his past two knocks, as the last round before Christmas saw him stroke a brutal 87 as the Valley Sixths fell 15 runs short in a big chase against Strathmore Heights.
On January 7 though, Liam's efforts steered the Fifths home, playing at Ormond Park. Sunshine Heights probably thought they were safe with their total of 6/216, but the Valleys chased it down for the loss of only two wickets and with six overs to spare.
Liam played his junior cricket at Old Students Cricket Club in the Shepparton district, but dropped out of the game for about seven years before he was enticed to play with mates at Moonee Valley.
He also scored a 97 with the Sixths last season - but really nailed it this time.
Skipper Danny Terzini, who made 26 in the 122-run partnership, had the best seat in the house, watching from the other end.
Danny said Liam was the "numbers man" all through the partnership, knowing exactly what the score was, how many overs were left and how many runs per over were needed.
And when it came time to put the foot down, Liam led the charge. When the equation reached 60 runs off the last 10 overs at a run a ball, Liam struck. He and Danny nailed the runs off just four overs - with half of them coming in the final, brutal over.
Liam started with a six, missed the next ball and then sailed over the boundary with the final four balls to post a remarkable 30-run over and win the match.
Well done Liam! We're glad Moonee Valley and your mates were able to entice you out of retirement.