By Lance Jenkinson
A bowling blitz from reigning premier Williamstown left the Taylors Lakes middle order and tail end in tatters as the Seagulls recorded a seven-wicket win in a Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west group one-day game.
With Taylors Lakes seemingly in control at 4-117 at Lionheart Reserve on Saturday, the Seagull bowlers sprung into action to take an incredible 6-5 in 25 minutes to have the home side all out for 122 in 36.5 overs.
Chasing 123 for victory, Williamstown had little trouble claiming the win, reaching the target with 10 overs to spare.
Patrick O’Malley (3-16), Brent McMinn (3-23) and Nathan Bratby (2-13) shone with the ball for the Seagulls. Wicketkeeper Brenton Hodges, who took two catches and played a part in a run out, backed it up with the bat by top-scoring with 35.
Sitting fourth on the ladder, Williamstown is on track to play finals again this summer.
The Seagulls will be keen to keep the momentum going when they square off with Melton in a two-day game at Williamstown Cricket Ground starting on Saturday.
Photo Gallery: Williamstown vs Taylors Lakes
Altona and Yarraville ceded ground to the sides in the top six with losses.
Altona’s competitiveness against premiership contender Oakleigh was not rewarded as it went down by six runs in a thriller. Set a 195 target, the A’s fell short to finish on 9-188.
Altona will face top-of-the-ladder Caulfield at Grant Reserve on Saturday.
Yarraville was outplayed by premiership favourite Caulfield in an eight-wicket loss at Caulfield Park. The signs were bad for the Eagles when they were bowled out for just 129.
English import Jack Potticary was a shining light for the Eagles with 43. Caulfield passed the target with 16 overs to spare.
Yarraville will host second-last Taylors Lakes at Yarraville Oval on Saturday.
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