Tara Murray
Williamstown’s experience shone through when it was needed against Yarraville in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west.
The battle between the two western suburbs teams was a key one, with both sides having missed out on getting full results last weekend with the weather.
While on paper it looks like an easy win for the Seagulls, secretary Jordan Doyle said it was a hard fought one.
“It was a good game,” he said. “We were up against it against Yarraville and it was nice to get the six points.”
The Seagulls won the toss and elected to bat. They forced their way to 6-181 from their 45 overs.
Jack Craig top scored with 58, as the majority of players got starts.
Doyle said that was par on their ground.
“We batted first and they bowled really well and there wasn’t much that came easy,” he said.
“Jack batted really well and Brenton Hodges at the top of the order worked hard.
“180 was a really competitive total. About a par score, so we knew we had to bowl really well.”
The Eagles have shown they’re an improved outfit this season and took the challenge up to the Seagulls early.
It was Seagulls captain-coach Sean Sturrock that turned the game back in the favour of his side.
“They started really well with the bat,” Doyle said. “Their number three [Harry Allinson] and number four [Jamie Tapper] were playing really well.
“They were 2-80 and a bit ahead of the game. Sean bowled really well and took 4-19 to turn the game.
“He’s a really good wicket taking option and was bowling into a fair breeze.”
The Eagles were bowled out 108 in the 37th over.
Doyle said once they had taken back control of the game, their experience shone through and they choked the rest of the Eagles batting line up.
“We have a few guys come back from premier cricket and most have been together for a long time.”
The win moves the Seagulls up to fifth spot on 24 points, a game behind the top two spots.
Doyle said the win was much needed after having to watch on the side lines when other teams have got results.
The challenges continue this week, as they face two-time reigning champion Werribee.
“Every game before Christmas is crucial as they’re all one-dayers so it’s nice to get that one,” he said.
“We have a big one against Werribee and we’ll take confidence into the game.
“We want to keep working on getting a finals spot. We want to be in that top six come Christmas time.”
In other matches, Altona remains undefeated after accounting for Noble Park. After restricting Noble Park to 140, the A’s made 3-141 in reply.
Spotswood suffered its first loss of the season, losing to the star studded Endeavour Hills side.
Spotswood made 6-163 from its overs, with Endeavour Hills making 7-164 in reply.
