Tara Murray
Footscray Angliss is hoping a big win in the first round after Christmas will kick start its Victorian Turf Cricket Association Evans-Clark Shield season.
It’s been an up and down start to the season for Angliss in the higher division, with the weather limiting chances to play and reducing matches from two-dayers to one-dayers.
On Saturday, Angliss was at its impressive best in a big win against St Andrew’s Footscray.
After winning the toss, St Andrews had a solid start and were 1-51. The wickets then started to fall and they were bowled out for 96 in the 24th over.
Sean Tyrrell took four wickets for Angliss with Charlie Barnes taking three on debut.
Angliss made light work of the run chase, hitting the runs in the 17th over, finishing 3-100.
Skipper Daniel Janka top scored with 29.
President Michael Cox said it was a good way to start the new year.
“It’s been a little funny with the weather,” he said “We’ve come back from Christmas and got the win and played really well.
“The boys are doing really well and Dan is leading from the front. We were confident of being able to chase the runs down.
“I went around the corner to run an errand and when I came back they had already won.”
The win was Angliss’ third for the season and moves it to sixth on the ladder.
Just six points separates fourth and eighth spot after seven matches.
Cox said a win like that could prove critical in the run home with finals spots up for grabs.
“It’s going to be tight at the top,” he said. “It [the result] could be very handy.
“We’ve lost a few close ones, so it’s good to get a good win like that.”
Cox said they were hoping to get a bit of momentum in the back half of the season and get some consistent playing time.
He said playing a few two-dayers would be good too.
“Our better bats, Dan, Lachlan Broadway and Daniel Nightingale are better two-day bats. We have a fairly strong side, but we haven’t put it all together.
“We’re working hard to get the tactics right.”
Cox said things were going well across the club, which has six senior sides for the first time ever.
In other results, Moonee Valley beat Laverton, Roxburgh Park was too strong for Melton South Royals, Point Cook Centrals beat East Coburg and Gellibrand beat Bellbridge.
