Any time Altona loses to arch-rival Werribee in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association, it hurts.
As far as losses go in the grand scheme of this season, it was not the end of the world for the A’s to taste defeat in this one.
Still, it was a hiccup the A’s would rather not have, considering the hot form they’ve been in with four wins on the trot, but it didn’t have a detrimental effect on their standing.
They are still third on the ladder, despite the 50-run loss, and in a strong position to seal a home final.
A’s captain-coach Adam Yates paid Werribee its dues after its successful defence of 241, bowling his side out for 191.
“They clearly out-played us on both days,” Yates said. “It was a matter of a couple of blocks of cricket that let us down in the end. Werribee got away to a reasonable start in their innings to be 0-40 and then we lost a couple of quick wickets before tea in our innings; so they’re probably the two phases of the game that’s cost us. They’re going to be a dangerous team come the pointy end of the season.”
The biggest take away from the game for Altona was the performance of all-rounder David Kinsella, who carved out a determined 77 and took 4-59 off 18 overs. His recent batting form is comparable to the best in the competition. Ranked 11th in batting aggregate, the opener has 410 runs at 41, with the bulk of those runs coming in the season’s second half.
“He’s been in really good form the past few weeks,” Yates said.
“He’s a typical opening batsman, playing straight and really patient. He’s been a really good addition this season.”
If Altona had been asking for a bit more from Kinsella, in any area, it would be his bowling. But he came to the party on day one against Werribee with his best figures since his days as a Coburg player.
“He’s one of the fittest blokes you’ll meet, and he does extra outside of the club,” Yates said.
If Altona is to preserve its top-three spot and book a home final, it needs to stave off a challenge from Taylors Lakes in a one-day game away at Lionheart Reserve on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Williamstown sealed the minor premiership with a 41-run win over Melton at the Williamstown Cricket Ground.
Craig Sheedy and Daniel Popa took three wickets apiece as the Seagulls defended their 226 by bowling the visitors out for 185.
Lance Jenkinson
