Tara Murray
Yarraville held its nerve to come away with a thrilling win against Bayswater in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west on Saturday.
Baywater needed 10 runs off the final over of the day and then four off the final ball to come away with the win.
The Eagles though were able to restrict them to just two off the final ball to win by one run.
Eagles captain-coach Jonah Koch said it was a pretty great win.
“We were a bit nervous,” he said. “It was one of those games we probably would have lost in the past, so to get up was good.
“We did what we needed to do.”
The Eagles set themselves up with their batting making 3-200.
Opener Aiden Salvado finished 99 not out while Harry Allinson made 52, with the pair putting on 101 for the opening partnership.
Koch said while Salvado was likely to be a bit disappointed not to get the 100, he was putting together a good season so far.
“He’s made 350 odd at an average of 90,” Koch said. “He’s going really well.
“It’s some of the best batting I’ve seen.”
The Eagles had Bayswater at 3-49 before Bayswater got going and started to chase down the total.
Koch said it was a bit of fielding that changed the game back in their favour.
“As a group we bowled really well, while Bayswater also batted really well,” he said.
“Matthew Grose at point proved a bit of magic to run out their opener who was doing it easy.
“It changed the game for us.”
The win was the Eagles second for the season and moves them up to 11th.
Koch said they were hoping this win would help them get their season back on track before the Christmas break.
“We’ve got two more games before Christmas and hopefully we can get another two wins,” he said.
“We’re in an okay position and there’s still a lot of work to do post Christmas. You can’t win it pre-Christmas, but you can be out of it pre-Christmas.
“We want to be there or thereabouts as red ball cricket comes back after Christmas.”
The Eagles this week face Werribee.
In other results, Altona lost its first game of the season.
The A’s were bowled out for 104 by Box Hill, which chased down the runs with ease, finishing 2-107.
Williamstown continued its good run, beating Werribee. The Tigers were bowled out for 117, Daniel Popa took four wickets.
The Seagulls finished 3-118 in reply. Brenton Hodges top scored with 40.
Spotswood kept its good form going with a win against Noble Park. Noble Park made 192, with Spotswood making 4-195 in reply. Jakson Knight top scored with 76, continuing his good run of form.
Spotswood, Altona and Williamstown are currently the top three teams.
