The Williamstown Congs sit in the box seat in its clash against Barkly St Uniting in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield.
After losing the toss and batting, it seemed like it would be a tough day for the Congs who lost early wickets, however, some good work from the middle and bottom order batsmen got the Congs to a strong score of 9-239 from their 80 overs.
Vice-captain Joshua Lanciana led the way with the bat, batting at eight, putting together a strong 65 from 105 balls.
Captain-coach Reg Mustafa said he was happy to reach the score they did, especially in the conditions they were faced with at J.T. Gray Reserve.
“We’re pretty happy, it was a tough wicket to bat on, there was a bit of rain consistently throughout the day as well which made it a bit tricky,” he said.
“We lost a couple of early wickets but the boys knuckled down and put a good total on the board at the end.
“We got a few starts, it was a bit disappointing that they couldn’t carry on, but they’re getting starts which is great.
“I think the total was above par for the conditions.”
All-rounder Lanciana is having a fantastic season for the Congs, currently averaging 33.8 with the bat while also taking 16 wickets at an average of 11.81 across the six matches he has played this season.
“He’s having a great season, he’s a true all rounder batting and bowling, he’s reaping the rewards of the effort he is putting in at training which is great,” Mustafa said.
Next week it will still be a challenge to defend the total against the Dragons who have just lost two games for the season to this point.
“I think we’ve just got to stick to our plan, bowling our line and length, bowl to our field and I back our bowlers to defend that total,” Mustafa said.
While the Congs are sitting third from the bottom of the ladder, Mustafa said he is ‘satisfied’ with how his side is going, and said their best cricket is ahead of them.
“We’ve had a slow start to the season, but we’re gradually getting there,” he said.
“We’re a new side with the majority of new players so we’re starting to gel and work out each
other’s game.
“We’ve had some disappointing losses but in general I’d say I’m satisfied, and we’re getting better and peaking at the right time of the season.”
