Tara Murray
Altona is benefiting from a bigger spread of contributors in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west.
The A’s sit in fourth spot after 11 rounds and have been one of the big improvers this season.
A’s coach Aaron Whear is happy but knows that there is still plenty more cricket to be played,
He put down the improvement to a couple of key areas.
“We have been playing good cricket to this point,” he said.
“The recruitment of Ben Davies has been huge for the club and he’s had a big impact with both the bat and ball.
“He’s been good at training with the group as well. I’ve been impressed with some of the other younger guys as well.
“Matt Turcinovich top scored on the weekend with 38, while Tom McConville took four wickets.”
Whear said they felt they were getting a more even spread of contributors this season which was also helping.
He said the return of Mitchell Grubb, who had taken the wicketkeeping gloves, had helped them.
While Adam Yates continues to shine with both bat and ball.
“He finished third in the Hatch medal last year,” Whear said. “He has exceeded what he did last year.”
On Saturday, the A’s accounted for Ivanhoe.
The A’s batted first and made 9-175 after winning the toss. Whear said Turcinovich and Mitchell Grubb both played key roles in pushing the total to 175,
The A’s took a couple of early wickets to start their bowling innings well. Ivanhoe was set to push the total, but was eventually all out for 151.
McConville took four wickets, with Whear saying after starting the season in the second XI, he had consolidated his spot in the top side.
Whear said there were good signs that they could come out on top even when they were challenged.
“It’s a good sign to win these games when you’re under pressure and it’s 50-50. To be able to win those games are sides that make finals.
Having set a good base for the season, Whear said finals were the aim. He knows it wouldn’t be easy. Just 13 points separates second and 10th.
“There’s a lot of good teams in the sub-district competition,” he said. “Finals are never gifted. We have a bit of work before finals, it will be a challenge for us.”
The A’s face St Bernard’s in a two-day match starting on Saturday.
The A’s were set to be in action on Tuesday night in the T20 competition against Werribee.
In other matches on Saturday, Yarraille lost to Preston.
The Eagles made 6-165, which Preston chased down with more than 12 overs remaining, finishing 5-169.
Williamstown had a day to forget about Kew, bowled out for just 63. Kew only needed 15.4 overs to get the runs, finishing 1-66.
Spotswood beat Brunswick after chasing down a big total.
Brunswick made 5-239 from its overs, with the Woodsmen getting the runs with two overs to spare, finishing 4-242.
