Tara Murray
Footscray United has secured its future in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1 competition with a win against West Coburg St Andrews.
Having had three straight promotions, this season was a lot tougher for the Bulldogs following a number of player changes and a coaching change.
The results haven’t been the same as they have been the last few seasons, but a win on Saturday means they will remain in division 1 next season.
Bulldogs coach Syde Hussain said they were relieved to have done enough to stay up.
“We have been struggling this year,” he said. “Something has gone our way.
“We had the same combination for the last three to four years that went through and won back-to-back premierships.
“It’s a different new crew this season with a new captain. It was going to take some time learning the players and their strengths and weaknesses.
“It takes time and that has been the challenging part as a coach and for the committee.”
On Saturday, the Bulldogs beat bottom side West Coburg St Andrews.
The Redbacks had made 151 on day one of the match.
The Bulldogs had to work hard on Saturday to come away with the win, with Sanju Jayasekara showing his class.
The Bulldogs hit the winning runs at 7-161 having earlier been 1-78.
Jayasekara finished on 100 not out to guide his side to victory.
Hussain said that Jayasekara had dug them out of a hole to get them over the line.
The Bulldogs now sit seventh on the ladder with three wins heading into the final round.
The Bulldogs face Sunshine in the final round. The Crows need a win in the one-dayer to ensure they make finals.
Hussain said they wanted to finish the season on a high.
“We’ve had an eye on the last three rounds and had a real focus on it,” he said. “We’re looking forward to trying to win this final game.
“The guys want to finish in a good way.”
In other matches, Altona North lost to PEGS.
Altona North had made 132 on day one of the match. PEGS finished 8-257 having decided to bat out all of day two.
Nathan Patrick took 3-46 for Altona North to be the pick of the bowlers.
Altona North, which sits in sixth spot, quotient points ahead of Footscray United, faces West Coburg St Andrews in the final round.
