Altona is in free-fall in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association.
The A’s have lost five of their past six matches to tumble out of the top six with one round remaining.
They suffered another close defeat, losing by a wicket to Roxburgh Park-Broadmeadows Falcons at Frank Kirk Oval on Saturday.
Two of their previous losses came in the last over. This one had a devastating effect – not only did the Falcons win the game, they took Altona’s position in the
top six.
The A’s were content they had enough runs on the board when they were bowled out for 180 on a tough wicket on day one.
The Falcons managed to scrape home, despite brilliant bowling efforts from Andrew McCammond (4-36 off 26) and James Grubb (3-56 off 13).
It took an unbroken 17-run partnership from tail-enders Kurtley Brandt (15) and Bryce Preston (7) to get the Falcons home.
The result makes for a thrilling final day on Saturday.
The A’s, Falcons and Box Hill all have 36 points and are separated by percentage.
To get back in the six, the A’s have to win at Endeavour Hills and hope either Falcons or Box Hill lose.
Meanwhile, Yarraville (70 and 6-172) avoided an outright loss to Croydon (8-180dec) by batting out the second day.
Matthew Love (58) and Adam Yates (47) looked good for the Eagles in the second innings.