Altona didn’t have too many runs to defend but still came away with a comfortable 59-run win over Hoppers Crossing in sub-district cricket at Hogans Road Reserve on Sunday.
The A’s could muster only 193 off 79.2 overs, leaving them susceptible to an upset loss.
Aaron Maynard raised the bat for a second half century in the new year with 52, while Sean Hollins boosted the score with 48.
If Altona couldn’t hang their hat on their batting, they certainly could do so on their bowling. The attack made light work of the Hoppers Crossing line-up, skittling the home side for 134. Mitchell Cullen had a remarkable first XI debut for Altona with 4-26 off 17 overs, while Shannon Clarke’s amazing summer continued with a tight 2-21 off 23 overs, including 14 maidens, and Adam Yates finished with 2-8 from 5.5.
The win consolidates Altona’s place in the top six ahead of a two-day bout with Endeavour Hills at Grant Reserve, starting on Saturday.
Williamstown is still top of the charts after a gutsy three-wicket win over impressive new boys Taylors Lakes at Lionhearts Reserve.
Set a tough target of 252, the Seagulls got there on the back of half centuries to captain Dale McDonald (61), opener Patrick O’Malley (73) and the in-form Matthew Dervan (50). The Seagulls will host third-placed Noble Park in a two-day blockbuster at the Williamstown Cricket Ground beginning on Saturday.
Yarraville will need a miracle to play finals after slumping to a third straight loss.
The Eagles were bowled out for 116, well short of Croydon’s 9-199 declared.
Yarraville will entertain fellow strugglers Hoppers Crossing at the Yarraville Oval on Saturday.
In VTCA’s senior division, Spotswood had to work hard to secure a 24-run win over Tullamarine at Leo Dineen Reserve. Gene Maurice was the cornerstone to the Woodsmen’s win with 86, his best score of the season. Yarraville Club extended its time at the top of the ladder with a 45-run win over Airport West-St Christophers at Hansen Reserve.
