Altona’s odds of reaching the sub-district cricket finals improved significantly after its 105-run walloping of Williamstown at Frank Kirk Oval on Saturday.
The up-and-down A’s found their mojo at the right time to shatter the Seagulls’ plans of a late finals swoop.
The A’s were dominant in all facets, defending their 211 with a superb team bowling performance to skittle the Gulls for 106.
“We had a bit of a patch where we had some disappointing losses, where it was probably un-Altona like cricket,” A’s captain Shane Jones told Star Weekly.
“The win this week was brilliant. They all put their hands up, which was great.”
If either of two scenarios happens in Saturday’s final round, the A’s head for the finals.
They must first beat Moorabbin on the road, which is going to be no easy feat. Even if this happens, their finals fate will be in the hands of old foes Werribee. Should Werribee beat sixth-placed Ormond, the A’s would leapfrog the Monders, landing in the finals.
“Off the field, we all get along very well,” Jones said of the Altona-Werribee relationship.
“Maybe they can look after another team in the western suburbs.
“We’ve dropped a couple of games this year, which we shouldn’t have. So if we don’t make the finals, it’s our own fault,” Jones said.
“We’ve just got to win this week and, if lady luck is on our side, she’s on our side.”
Altona has been one of the hardest teams to gauge this season.
One week, they can look like world-beaters, the next they can be made to look second-rate.
The A’s played with a bit more freedom and enjoyment against Williamstown, which reflected in the result.
“We played really well against Oakleigh – they’ve been the leader of the competition – and we happened to roll Ormond, Malvern and Werribee so we’ve been pretty successful tackling the top six teams,” Jones said.
“A big focus in the past couple of weeks has just been on enjoying the day, being with your mates and just enjoying the cricket.
“Generally, when we play really good cricket, we’re enjoying each other’s company.”
But which Altona mindframe will come out against Moorabbin this Saturday? The uptight one that has threatened to unravel their campaign, or the fun-loving one free of the stress of outcomes?
One side without a worry in the world is Yarraville.
The Eagles’ only task before the finals is an historical one.
They have reached the finals in all four grades, and club historians believe it could be the first time in the club’s 110-year history that they’ve done this.
Yarraville, led by five-wicket star Patrick Prestidge, secured its first XI berth with a 95-run win over Moorabbin.
