Williamstown’s batting depth came to the fore as it powered to an imposing 8-295 off 80 overs against Preston in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west group at Preston City Oval on Saturday.
The Seagulls had meaningful contributions across the board – when one player fell, another was there to continue the momentum.
Opener Cameron Smith ignited the innings by top-scoring with 69 and forming solid stands with opening partner Luke Rainone (15) and captain Craig Sheedy (28).
From the middle order came contributions from Matthew Dervan (34) and Cameron D’Altera (50).
Just when Preston was about to deliver the knock-out blow on the Seagulls’ innings, up stepped lower- order batsman Daniel Popa (38no) and Mitchell Knight (22no), who shared an unbroken 51-run partnership late in the day.
For the Seagulls, sitting in eighth spot, nine points outside the top six, it’s must-win time if they are to maintain their pursuit of a finals berth.
Altona is well placed against Kew on the road at Victoria Park after posting 251 in 79.4 overs.
The A’s relied on a captain’s knock from Shane Jones (125) to produce nearly half their runs.
He was ably supported by middle- order batsmen Ben Murfet (20), Tim Collins (30) and Josh Young (29).
The fifth-placed A’s will have one foot in the finals line-up if they are successful in defending their total.
Yarraville holds all the aces in its showdown with ladder leader Melton at McPherson Park.
The Eagles bowled Melton out for 100, with English import Harry Finch taking 6-34 off 13 overs and captain Matthew Love snaring 3-9 off nine.
The Eagles were 4-75 at stumps, needing 26 for victory, with Love (10no) and Josh Hahnel (0no) at the crease.
Having beaten second-placed Roxburgh Park-Broadmeadows in the previous round, the Eagles can complete an impressive quinella and just about confirm their finals berth by downing Melton.
