By Tara Murray
It’s been a big weekend for St Andrews-Footscray with milestones for two of its greatest players.
Mark Rhodes became the 20th player in the club’s history to play 150 games for the club on Sunday.
It came after James Draper moved into third all time for games played when he played his 280th game in the club’s Victorian Turf Cricket Association Evans-Clark Shield match.
Coach Luke Philpott said it was a pretty big weekend for the club.
“It’s very exciting for both guys,” he said. “Mark Rhodes has been captain and coach of the club over the years.
“To play 150 games is a huge achievement. Jimmy Draper playing his 280th game puts him third in the games tally played which is another milestone.”
Having had a few tough years on the field, the milestones bring plenty of celebrations to the club.
Philpott said they felt like the club was moving in the right direction.
“Last season we didn’t win a game,” he said. “We have got one win this season and hopefully get a couple more.
“We’re in a good position in the current game. It would be some reward for what we are doing on the track.”
Philpott said they have high hopes in their current match with Seabrook.
Day one was a day for the bowlers.
St Andrews-Footscray won the toss and decided to bat.
It was bowled out for just 102 with Sohail Hussain top scoring with 33.
Philpott said after being in trouble early it had been a good effort to reach the total.
“It was difficult to bat,” he said. “Our tail grinded us out to 100.”
Kamaljeet Singh Oberoi took four wickets for Seabrook.
St Andrews-Footscray worked itself back into the game and at stumps it’s game on.
Seabrook will resume at 5-49.
Draper has three of the wickets taken so far.
Philpott said they showed a lot of fight to get back into the game.
A win could move St Andrews-Footscray off the bottom of the ladder. Philpott said the aim this season was to try and avoid relegation.
“We want to stay in this division,” he said. “If we fail and have to go up, we hope to come straight back up.
“We intend to not go down at all.”
In other matches, Laverton is in a good spot against Roxburgh Park.
The Falcons were bowled out for 162 with Lovjit Sandhu taking four wickets.
Laverton will resume at 2-86.
Footscray Angliss is in a good position in its match with Werribee Centrals.
The Centurions were bowled out for 192 in the 53rd over. Angliss will resume at 1-58.-
Meanwhile in senior division, Yarraville Club is 2-70 in reply to Aberfeldie’s 172.
In the Isaacs Howarth Shield, Altona Roosters are 5-72 in reply to the Druids’ 105 and Footscray United is 3-15 in reply to Altona North’s 166.
