Tara Murray
Footscray’s young middle order stood up when it was needed to ensure the side came away with a draw on Saturday in Victorian Premier Cricket.
After being set 331 for victory by Camberwell, the Bulldogs were in trouble at 3-1 and then 5-18.
The middle order stuck strong with the Bulldogs batting out their 90 overs and finishing 7-202.
Bulldogs coach Dale McDonald said they were able to take a lot of positives out of the game.
“We toiled pretty hard with the ball with what we’ve got at the moment,” he said. “Jack [Prestwidge] out for a while in terms of bowling.
“Week one the pitch was a flat wicket. To keep them to 330 was pretty good considering the quality of the wicket.
“There was a lot of rain in the lead up and we were surprised to even get out there. But we didn’t get off to a great start with the bat.
With five wickets in the shed, including their three most experienced bats, the Bulldogs had a challenge ahead of them to try and save the match.
He said it was a very different wicket to the first day due to the weather.
“The four boys then worked really hard to get us in a position to draw the game,” he said. “It was a good outcome to prevent them from winning.
“Seeing Josh Pace, who is an 18-year-old, really absorb the pressure after coming in three for not many was a positive.
“He made 48. It would have been nice to see him get us 50. It shows his character and fight and we were pleased with that.”
Bailey Toseland had an 85 run partnership with Pace and made his first 50 in premier first grade.
Max Birthisel, who made 48 not out, and Jay Vine, who finished 19 not out, backed the pair up and helped get them three points.
“Max and Bailey had a good partnership as well,” he said. “Max is only 22 despite being around for a number of years.
“He is only young and was able to absorb the press and bat for 133 balls and show some leadership.
“Jay was not out as well. He’s talked about wanting to bat higher and showed he is putting in the hard yards with a bit of grit.”
McDonald said they felt like they were getting there with their performances.
Their round one match was also a draw following rain as well.
“The boys have trained hard and we’ve got a good strong group,” he said. “We’ll keep putting our best foot forward.”
The Bulldogs will face Essendon in two-dayer starting on Saturday.
The Bombers lost on the weekend to Melbourne.
McDonald said he was expecting a tough match up.
