Opener keeps Yarraville in the points hunt

David Morgan kept Yarraville alive with 90 from the top of the order. (Shawn Smits)

Yarraville has opening batsmen David Morgan to thank for still being alive in its battle with Hoppers Crossing in Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west 1st XI at Hogans Road Reserve.

Morgan carved out 12 fours en route to 90, while the 10 other Eagles batsmen combined for just 63 runs, with five extras rounding out a tough innings of 158 off 59.1 overs.

Morgan featured in nine partnerships, the biggest coming with No.10 batsman Josh Torr, who provided 21 in a 42-run partnership.

It could turn out to be a vital stand with Yarraville fighting back late on day one.

The Eagles snared three quick wickets to have Hoppers Crossing in a spot of bother on 3-20 off 12 overs. Alex Hewet was on fire with the ball late in the day, taking 2-12 off six overs.

With Yarraville and Hoppers Crossing only having one win each so far, this Saturday’s play will be hugely important for both sides.

Williamstown will face a tough run chase when play resumes against Brunswick at Gillon Oval on Saturday. The Seagulls are 0-6 in reply to the Wicks’ 249.

Bryce Preston (3-58) and Patrick O’Malley (3-57) were the pick of the Seagull bowlers.

Altona has the upper hand against Coburg after day one at the Coburg City Oval.

The A’s rolled the Burgers for 166, with Mitchell Cullen leading the way with 3-35.

A slow start saw the A’s go to stumps on 2-26, requiring a further 141 for victory.

In Premier Cricket, Footscray finished the white ball strand of the season with a tie and a loss at the weekend.

On Saturday, Footscray split the Twenty20 points with Dandenong in the top of the ladder showdown at Merv Hughes Oval.

The Bulldogs finished their 20 overs with 5-139, led by captain Dylan Kight with 45 not out. Dandenong made 8-139 from its 20 overs with Bulldogs paceman Hamish Winter-Irving the biggest hindrance to their chase with 4-17.

On Sunday, Footscray travelled to Geelong and was soundly beaten in its final T20 game for the season. The Bulldogs hit 5-116 with Dean Russ leading the way with 26. Geelong cruised past the target with 14 balls to spare.