Tara Murray
Spotswood produced the performance it was after heading into the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west finals.
After being on top for much of the season, the Woodsmen had suffered a couple of losses late in the season to slip to third.
They found some form on Saturday against Plenty Valley in a one-dayer to finish the season in second spot.
Woodsmen coach Dan Schuppan said it’s always hard to stay switched on for the whole season.
“We haven’t been playing our best cricket and we’re the first to admit that,” he said. “It’s nice to put out a performance like that.
“The boys were brilliant, fielding was a massive part of that, it’s something we’ve struggled with from our standards.
“I can’t speak for everyone one, but it is hard to stay up for 100 per cent of the time. We want to peak at the right time for the year.”
Schuppan said the final game of the season was similar to last season when they played a lowly ranked team that really pushed them.
He said while Plenty Valley has struggled this season, they were wary of what they could do with some good players led by skipper Simon Black.
The Bats batted first and made 9-188 from their overs. Three Woodsmen took two wickets each.
They then chased down the total with ease, finishing 4-189 in 37.1 overs.
Jarrod Martignago top scored with 106 not out at the top of the order.
“It was nice to put out a good batting, bowling and fielding performance heading into next week,” Schuppan said.
Having locked in second spot, the Woodsmen face Werribee in the first week of finals.
The two teams have had some good battles the last couple of seasons, including the grand final last season.
“They beat us a couple of weeks ago,” Schuppan said. “We want to turn the tables.
“At this stage, we know that our cricket stacks up and is going to challenge anyone in the top six.
“All six are capable to taking it out. There’s 16 teams and only six play finals, so they have to be above average to just play finals.
“Hopefully we can get over the line against Werribee.”
Joining the Woodsmen in finals is Altona which won in the final round to seal sixth spot.
A win in the final round against Williamstown would be enough for the A’s to seal a finals berth.
The A’s made 6-221 from their overs with skipper making 79 before being run out.
Jack Craig took three wickets for the Seagulls.
Cameron Daltera starred at the top of the order for the Seagulls but had little support as the side was restricted to 7-191.
Daltera made 84.
Tom McConville and Adam Yates took two wickets each for the A’s.
The A’s, who finished in sixth, face St Bernard’s in the first week of finals.
Yarraville finished its season with a loss to St Bernard’s.
