Footscray Edgewater isn’t getting carried away with its thumping eight-wicket win over Ringwood at Merv Hughes Oval on Saturday.
The Bulldogs view the result as a single paver on the path to what they hope will be a first finals appearance since 2007-08.
The contained post-game reaction says a lot about their single-minded focus under new coach Steve Chapman.
“It was a terrific win,” Bulldogs vice-president Ken Stone said. “Ringwood played in the grand final last year so it’s good to beat a team of that quality and do it convincingly, too.
“It [the reaction] was pretty well-contained; straight away the players were talking about the next round.”
PICTURE GALLERY: Footscray Edgewater v Ringwood
The Bulldogs have assembled a side that has the ingredients to make it all the way to the March finals.
To do that, they must iron out the inconsistency that has plagued them in recent summers, so quickly moving on to the next assignment is a wise move.
“It’s a good win against quality opposition, but the players know they need to string a lot together to be competitive and get to the finals,” Stone said.
The Bulldogs were on their way to victory after a stellar bowling and fielding effort.
Ringwood could muster only 109 in 41.5 overs.
Jake Haberfield, a fast bowling recruit from South Australia, led the charge with 3-18 off seven overs. Haberfield made the move to Melbourne after failing to obtain a state contract extension in SA.
“Line and length is his key and he’s quick,” Stone said. “It makes it very difficult to score off him. He’s a really good addition.”
Hamish Winter-Irving snared 1-11 off an economical seven overs, while change bowler Tallan Wright put the clamps on with 1-21 off 10.
A turning point came when Lucas Dredge inflicted a side-on, direct-hit run-out of Ian Holland, the Ringwood batsman who looked most likely to post a big score.
The Bulldogs cruised to the target with captain Dean Russ (62no) and second drop Travis Dean (25) producing a 52-run partnership.
Russ capped a superb run with the bat, scoring 33 and 91 for Victoria in a future’s league loss to Queensland earlier in the week. Dylan Kight also featured for the Vics, making 77.
