By Tara Murray
Footscray split its two Victorian Premier Cricket T20 matches on Saturday as two BBL stars joined the Bulldogs for the day.
After the first day of the T20s matches was washed out, the Bulldogs faced Carlton and Frankston Peninsula on Saturday
Bulldogs coach Dale McDonald said they were disappointed with the match against the Blues but put in a much better performance against Frankston.
Among those play for the Bulldogs on Saturday was English star Laurie Evans and Tasmanian Tom Rogers.
Both are in Melbourne ahead of the BBL with both to play at the Melbourne Renegades.
McDonald said in the past they’d had an opportunity to add in players like this but it hadn’t been the right time.
With a few injuries, McDonald said the pair, who played one game each, were handy inclusions.
He said both guys had been really professional.
“Tom was outstanding,” he said. “He took 3-22 off his four overs and it was great for the boys to gain more experience from him.
“Him and Jack Prestwidge are great mates and he asked if there was any chance he could play a game.
“Laurie is a world class top order bat and he made 28 off 15 balls. It was good to have him play.
“He travels the world playing T20s.”
McDonald said they had asked the question about both playing again this weekend, but there was a Melbourne Renegades family day and they would unlikely see them again.
After being washed out the week before, McDonald said it was nice to play some cricket.
Carlton made 8-110 before the Bulldogs were restricted to 9-93.
McDonald said they had their chances against Carlton but didn’t make the most of them.
“We were quite disappointed,” he said. “The game was reduced to 17 overs and we kept them to 110.
“We batted poorly in the first couple of overs. We then gave ourselves a chance to get the win but lost wickets in key moments.”
The Bulldogs didn’t have long to dwell on the loss as they then faced Frankston.
It was a much better performance.
Frankston was restricted to 9-108 with Footscray finishing 3-111 in reply in just 13.4 overs.
“We kept them to just over 100 as well,” McDonald said. “We bowled well and fielded well.
“We batted a lot smarter in the second game.”
Bailey Toseland took three wickets for the Bulldogs, while Dylan Brasher top scored with 30.
The Bulldogs now face Melbourne and Ringwood in the third Saturday of T20 matches.
They will be without Toseland and Josh Pace who are playing for Vic Metro at the under-19 national championships, while Travis Dean will also miss as coach of the side.
