Tara Murray
A finals berth is locked up, but Spotswood is yet to hit its straps in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west.
After just missing out on finals in their first Subbies campaign, the Woodsmen have made sure that they didn’t make the same mistakes as last season.
The Woodsmen enter the final round in top spot, where they have spent much of the season.
Woodsmen coach Dan Schuppan said it was a good feeling to know that they would be playing finals.
“We can’t go outside the top six and we’re still sitting top which is a good thing for us,” he said.
“We’re in control of our own destiny. A win and we secure top spot which guarantees a double chance and home final.
“We would prefer not to have to use it, but it’s good to have. It would be good to finish the year on top, it would be another small win.”
Schuppan said despite the results that they’ve had so far, they haven’t put together many full performances.
He said the game against Box Hill was probably the exception.
“I don’t think we’ve had many games where we’ve played a complete game,” he said.
“Against Altona, 165 was below par, but Jackson Wadden got four wickets and Sam Hope bowled really well.
“We didn’t have the best game with the bat but we bowled well, in other games it’s been vice versa.
“It gives us confidence to get it done with the bat or the ball.”
Schuppan was pleased with how his bowling group performed on Saturday against Altona.
Defending just 165, the Woodsmen were able to bowl Altona out for 125.
Adam Yates top scored for the A’s with 39.
Wadden was the pick of the bowlers.
Schuppan was full of praise for the bowling group.
“Wadden had four wickets, Sam bowled well too,” he said.
“Matthew Sazenis didn’t play as we were resting his knee and Nick Bartol came in and we didn’t have to use him.
“As a bowling group, we’re one of the better bowling sides statistically. It’s nice to have options.
Schuppan said the development of Wadden had played a big role in the club’s results this year.
He said Wadden, who is just 17, had become a reliable bowler this year, who could be thrown the ball at any time and had benefited from bowling to some really good batters at this level.
While happy to get the win, Schuppan knows a score like that won’t get the job done against sides like Werribee and Williamstown.
Williamstown, which has also secured a finals spot, beat Taylors Lakes on Saturday.
Having made 7-260, the Seagulls bowled the Lions out for 132.
Sean Sturrock took 5-16 for the Eagles.
Yarraville suffered a big loss to Mt Waverley.
Chasing 7-311, the Eagles were bowled out for 144.
Jonah Koch top scored with 36.
