It’s been more than 20 years since Laverton’s first XI has had this many wins in a season, and this one isn’t over.
Excitement is growing at Laverton as it aims for a finals berth and maybe end more come March in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Clark Shield.
Laverton currently sits second on the ladder, with the top two sides having opened up a gap on the other teams.
On Saturday, Laverton was able to account for Seabrook to claim the six points along with the Bruce Comben Trophy.
Seabrook’s home ground is named after Comben, a former councillor, while he was a founding member of Laverton Cricket Club.
The two clubs play for a trophy in his honour every time they play.
“Our firsts are doing really well,” Laverton president Rahul Anhal said.
“To make finals, it would be huge for the team. We haven’t had this many runs in the ones since 1990.
“Obviously the first XI represents the club. We want our next generation to have something to look up to.
“We had two focuses at the start of the season, to grow the juniors and we want to be competitive in the seniors. We’re doing that and our juniors are doing well.”
Laverton made 256 after deciding to bat on day one of the match.
Kamaljeet Sandhu top scored with 82 at the top of the order. Captain Karandeep Singh scored 58.
Siddh Dang, Khush Talati and Daniel Kilfoy took three wickets each for Seabrook.
Seabrook was bowled out for just 80 in its first innings, with only two players reaching double figures.
Zach Wilson was the best of the batters with 32.
Varinder pal Singh took five wickets for Laverton.
Seabrook was sent back in, with Anhal saying they were confident of getting the job done to secure an outright win.
Seabrook dug in and finished the day at 4-68.
“We were looking for the outright but they blocked it out for 50 overs,” Anhal said.
“Good on them for sticking it out.”
Laverton tried everything with the ball as all 11 players bowled.
Laverton faces Barkly St Uniting in the next round, while Seabrook faces the Werribee Centrals with only four rounds left in the season.
Elsewhere, Barkly St Uniting lost to Bellbridge.
Chasing 191, the Dragons were bowled out for 169.
Footscray Angliss also suffered a loss on Saturday.
Chasing Sunshine YCW’s 191, Angliss was bowled out for 129.
Meanwhile in the Roy Picone Shield, Kingsville had a big win against Moonee Valley.
Having made 75 on day one of the match, Kingsville was able to bowl Moonee Valley out for 199.
Kingsville sits in fourth spot.
In the Russell Pollock Shield, Williamstown Congs got the win against Glenroy, while St Andrew’s Footscray suffered a big loss to Donnybrook.
The Congs are now fifth on the ladder with a 4-4 record.
