Tara Murray
Footscray is finally on the board in Victorian Premier Cricket.
Having had no results and a couple of draws, the Bulldogs were able to get across the line on Saturday against Kingston Hawthorn.
The Bulldogs needed 263 from the win on Saturday, having bowled the Hawks out for 262 on day one of the match.
It took the Bulldogs nearly 92 overs but they got there, finishing 8-263.
Bulldogs coach Dale McDonald said it was nice to get a win on the board.
“We hadn’t lost one, but it was nice to finally get the win,” he said. “Credit to them they bowled well.
“We would have been nice to close in on victory with everyone chipping in and playing their role.”
McDonald said they got off to an OK start through Travis Dean and Dylan Brasher both falling.
The Bulldogs then had a number of contributors throughout the day as seven batters scored 18 or better.
Jay Vine, who has already produced one handy knock this season, and Aaron Harding guided the side to victory.
“Presty [Jack Prestwidge] made 48 and it was nice for him to have a hit in his first game,” McDonald said.
“Dylan Kight scored 60 and Bailey Toseland made 40 odd. It was good for both of them to spend some time in the middle.”
McDonald said it was nice to see Prestwidge finally take to the field for the first time this season.
“The guys grow another leg when he is out there,” he said. “He’s joyous to be around,” he said.
“He was our big recruit for the club and he’s been unlucky with a couple of injury setbacks.
“He was nervous for the first few before hitting some clean ones.”
McDonald said he had been bowling in the nets the past few weeks off a shorter run up and they were hoping he would bowl in a game in the next few weeks.
He said with a young group that extra experience was vital to help them further develop.
The Bulldogs are now up to ninth on the ladder.
McDonald said they’d had a solid season so far.
“We drew a lot of confidence out of the Camberwell game. We had to fight to get back into the game and not lose.
“The drawn game against Essendon was more disappointing not to win that one.
“Everyone is playing their part at the moment.
“We’re still a little bit away from our best cricket.”
The Bulldogs this week face Northcote in a one-dayer. Northcote sits in fifth sport with two wins for the season so far.
McDonald said they were a good side that was in form so far this season and it would be another good test.
