By Ewen McRae
A calf injury to captain Allan Wise was the only sour note on another strong day for Spotswood as it moved to the brink of its third win of the season.
Taking on Sunshine United in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s senior division, Spotswood was clinical with the ball as it dismissed the hosts for just 136 on the traditionally high-scoring ground, before getting to stumps in a strong position.
Spotswood coach Dan Schuppan did much of the damage with the ball, and said it was good to see his side rally after the loss of Wise.
“We were pretty happy with how we bowled as a group,” Schuppan said.
“When you’re a bowler down you’ve got to find a little bit and I thought everyone did their bit to fill the void.
“It was a grinding sort of day, but we were very happy with how it all panned out.”
Sunshine United won the toss and took first use of the pitch, but was soon on the back foot as Scott Dalrymple (5), Ladd John (8) and Leigh Sheridan (0) all fell cheaply to have the hosts reeling at 3-17.
Schuppan was doing the early damage for Spotswood as he collected all three wickets as well as keeping the run rate in check.
Wise was injured in his fourth over of the day, but the United batsmen were unable to make the most of his absence as Sangaran Nandhalal (4) also returned to the sheds at the hands of Gene Maurice (2-18).
Neeten Chouhan looked solid at the other end as the wickets fell, and he built a stabilising partnership with Tom Duxson (14) before he became Maurice’s second victim.
Adam Duxson made 13, while Roshan Anuruddha hit a quick 10, but neither was able to hang around long enough to help Chouhan.
Photo Gallery: Sunshine United vs Spotswood
Chouhan’s 61 was the clear standout innings, while Schuppan bowled his heart out to finish with 5-31 off 18 overs.
With a small total, early wickets were crucial for United and Roshan Anuruddha duly delivered as he dismissed Leigh Forbes (6) cheaply.
That was as good as it got for the home side, with just one more wicket falling as Spotswood closed the day on 2-70.
Ross Horkings (39 not out) looked strong with the willow and will be the key wicket when play resumes this week.
Schuppan said there was an opportunity this week to give his batsmen valuable time in the middle.
“The way I see it we’ve got 80 overs to make 66 runs, so we’ve got to be patient,” he said.
“It’d be really nice to see Ross and Mac [Short] get the job done. They’ve batted together quite a bit before so this is a good opportunity for those two to put their hand up and say ‘we’ll get the job done’.”
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