Travis Dean has long strived for a Premier Cricket first XI century.
In his 77th top-flight match at the weekend, the Werribee product finally broke through to lead Footscray Edgewater to a 202-run annihilation of Dandenong at the Merv Hughes Oval.
It was quite a wait for Dean to raise his bat in triple-figure triumph. His previous top score of 91 came way back on debut in 2008-09.
At the weekend Dean did it in style on a scorching summer’s day.
“It was really testing conditions so I’m pleased for him,” Bulldogs coach Steve Chapman said.
“He cut the ball superbly, it was a real feature of his innings. He was nice and straight when it was full and severe on anything short and wide.
“It’s a relief for him to get that monkey off his back.”
On Saturday, the Bulldogs cut loose to belt 7-328 declared off 90 overs.
Dean was the mainstay, making his 119 off 209 balls, including 15 fours, but he needed a partner in crime and John Hastings was happy to oblige.
Hastings produced 87 off 128 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, in a 149-run third wicket stand.
“He’s professional and meticulous about what he does,” Chapman said of Hastings.
“He oozes that charisma to come into a well-oiled side and play the role of the professional player.”
On Sunday, the Bulldogs cruised to victory, rolling a disappointing Dandenong for 126.
Hamish Winter-Irving continued his break-out season with 3-19 in a hard 10.3 overs of bowling into the wind.
Winter-Irving has taken 24 wickets at 20.8 to become a permanent fixture in the side.
“It was a really unforgiving wind at the start of the day, and in his first spell he got a couple of really important wickets,” Chapman
said.
“It wouldn’t be surprising to see him picked for a futures game because he’s been that impressive.
“He can bat as well and he’s a terrific fielder. He’s got a good future ahead of him.”
The second-placed Bulldogs will hit the road for a two-day penultimate-round encounter against the Camberwell Magpies, starting on Saturday at the Camberwell Sports Ground.
