Yarraville and Hoppers Crossing were both left feeling a little short-changed.
The pair of desperate one-win sides had to settle for a draw after the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association ordered all games to be called off on Saturday due to Melbourne’s stormy weather.
It is a pity because the game appeared set for a thrilling climax, with the Eagles defending 158 and Hoppers Crossing making a stuttering start to be in trouble at 3-20.
Yarraville captain-coach Matthew Love believes cricket fans were robbed of a potential grandstand finish with the game “in the balance” approaching day two.
“The forecast leading up to the weekend wasn’t great, so it was no surprise that our games got cancelled,” Love said.
“Our bowlers were well on top last week, so we were pretty keen to have a crack at them.
“They would’ve backed themselves to go close to winning the game.”
It added further frustration to Yarraville’s season. The Eagles have just one win from five matches with two draws thrown in.
With their opponent in a similar position, it was a missed opportunity for both.
“If one of the teams got the points, it’s your classic double points game, but it wasn’t to be,” Love said.
The positive to come out of the game for Yarraville was the performance of opening batsman David Morgan who continued his impressive recent form with 90, including 12 fours.
Last season, Morgan played in the firsts, seconds and thirds, before settling into the seconds and scoring 83 in the grand final win over Box Hill.
After 47 in round four and just missing out on the century this round, it appears as though Morgan is close to securing a first XI position.
“He’s someone who’s working really hard on his game and has forced his way into the first XI because of a weight of runs from last year,” Love said.
“He played a bit in the twos, winning the premiership last year, so to see him step up and bat well with 90 and 40-odd the week before was just fantastic.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who are in his boat in the lower grades that are trying to do the same, so he’s a good role model for them.”
It was a double whammy weekend for Love.
He was supposed to represent the VSDCA against the Victorian Country Cricket League in a representative game on Sunday, but that was also called off. Love is hopeful the game will be re-scheduled, so he can get the honour of captaining the association.
“It’s a great privilege and an honour to be named captain as well,” he said.
Yarraville will face fourth-placed Melton in a crucial Saturday-Sunday two-day game at the Yarraville Oval this weekend.
In other games, Altona will be looking for a way back into the top six when it hosts Kew at Grant Reserve.
It will be a big occasion for second-placed Williamstown against Preston at the Williamstown Cricket Ground as it will celebrate Brenton Hodges’ 200th VSDCA first XI game.
