Tara Murray
Altona has just about secured its Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west finals with one round to go.
The A’s sit in sixth spot, a game and percentage ahead of Preston. The A’s would have to lose heavily in the final round and Preston have a big win, for them to miss out.
A’s president Darren McConville said the group had been working hard to get to this point. He said it had been about three years since the club’s first XI played finals.
“It is good,” he said. “It is a reward for all the hard work the players and coaches have done throughout the year.”
The group under coach Aaron Whear just missed finals last season, but with a bit more development and the inclusion of Ben Davies has helped them take the next.
McConville said the addition of Davies had been a massive one.
“He’s an ex-Altona junior who played premier cricket and that helps,” he said.
“Ben’s leadership and his experience… He’s a teacher by trade and he can certainly relate to the kids and they can relate to him.”
The A’s were able to get their ninth win of the season, accounting for Melton.
The A’s set the win up on day one, bowling the Lions out for 114 before finishing day one at 0-20.
The A’s took their time but got the runs with ease, finishing 4-115.
Connor Brown top scored with 46 at the top of the order.
McConville said the focus for them was getting the win.
“There wasn’t enough time to get an outright,” he said. “We were happy with the win.”
The A’s face Williamstown in a one-dayer on Saturday in the final round of the season. The Seagulls won’t play finals.
“Two Hobsons Bay clubs,” McConville said. “It’s always a good game and they have been in some good form since Christmas.
“They are a proud club and will play to the end and we don’t expect anything less from them.”
The Seagulls finals hopes ended despite a big win against Brunswick.
Brunswick had made 238 on day one of the match.
The Seagulls started slowly but on the back of Matthew Dervan were able to get the job done, finishing 2-240 with 2.1 overs remaining.
Dervan made 102, going out just shy of the winning total.
The Seagulls sit in eighth spot, eight points behind A.
Spotswood’s drop in form has continued and seen the side slip from top to third.
Facing Werribee, the Woodsmen were defending 192 on Saturday.
Werribee took the match deep and were able to get over the line after 62-run eighth wicket partnership sealing the win.
The Tigers finished 7-196.
Sandeep Mandalika took 6-66 for the Woodmen.
Yarraville added another win to its tally, beating Strathmore.
Chasing 218, the Eagles finished 4-222.
Eagles captain Josh Hahnel was the star of the show with 120 not out at the top of the order.
Hahnel now has 764 runs for the season to lead the competition.
