By Ewen McRae
Williamstown kept its perfect start to the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season going at the weekend, dominating with bat and ball to claim the win against Altona.
Hosting its western division rivals, Williamstown wasted little time in chasing down Altona’s 113, sending a message to the competition in reaching the target in just 18 overs to snare win number two for the summer.
Williamstown captain Brent McMinn said it was just about the perfect all-round game.
“It was a very dominant performance from us, which was good to see,” McMinn said.
“The bowling was really well set up by our two openers Jarrod Flood-Bauce and Daniel Popa, they set the tone for the day and everyone else chipped in. And then with the bat we set ourselves the challenge of finishing it in 20 overs and got there in 18, so it was just a really good, solid win by us.”
While Altona won the toss and took first use of a wicket made for run scoring, it was the home bowlers who made the early inroads.
Greg Sheehan (1) was trapped in front by Flood-Bauce early, and a steady run of wickets followed as the next three visiting batsmen contributed just 13 runs.
David Kinsella tried hard against the new ball on his way to 30, and Daniel Mackenzie (30) helped push the total into triple figures late in the innings, but the home bowlers all chipped in to run through the rest of the order.
Popa (2-14 off nine overs) and Flood-Bauce (2-15 off seven) did the damage early, but it was a team effort to set up the small chase.
In reply, the Williamstown batting order flexed its muscle to make short work of the chase.
James Cook (22 off 18 balls), Matthew Dervan (22 not out) and Mitchell Streiff (42 not out off 33 balls) were brutal against the young Altona attack, while Shannon Clarke (2-33) was the pick of the Altona attack.
Williamstown now turns its sights to Brighton, and it’s biggest test of the season to date.
“Everyone’s in pretty good form, so everyone’s set up well for this next test,” McMinn said.
“Our batters are all hitting the ball well, and the bowlers did the job for us this week, so I’m backing us in all the way against Brighton and we’re full of confidence at the moment.”
FOR MORE VSDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/melton-lets-game-slip-away/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/taylors-lakes-caught-in-the-spin/
