There were plenty of smiles on faces at the Williamstown Congs on Saturday, as they broke through for their first win of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield season.
It’s been tough going for the Congs this season which included putting a call to arms to help the club rebuild and find more players.
On Saturday, the Congs were able to beat Jacana in a one-day match to finally have a win on the board.
“It’s about time we got a win,” coach Reg Mustafa said. “It’s a bit of a relief.
“It’s the first club win of the season and it was hard work. “We’ve been working hard on a few things in the previous games and it came to fruition at the end.”
On Saturday, it was a battle between the bottom two sides.
The Congs won the toss and decided to bat.
They were able to put on 6-237. Vishal Attan was the star as he made 108 not out as he batted through the innings.
Mustafa said there had been a number of contributions throughout the order to push the score past 200.
While it seemed it would be enough, the Jaguars came out attacking to try and get their second win of the season.
“They were scoring freely early on,” Mustafa said. “Rinku Singh came on and took 2-12 off eight overs and took back control of the game.”
The Jaguars were bowled out for 172 in the 40th over. Praveen Munigala took 3-31.
Mustafa said having a win on the board would take the pressure off the group.
“We have a bit more self belief and have a bit more confidence,” he said.
“We are up to standard and up to the level. Brandon Mifsud is captain this year and it’s great for him to get his first win on the board.
“He’s been going really well.”
The Congs this week face Donnybrook, which sits inside the top four and will be a good test.
Mustafa said since they put the call out, they were in a better position than they had been.
“We’ve added a few more players to the club, across both grades, which has added more depth,” he said. “It’s great.”
In other matches, Barkly Street Uniting had a tough day against Burnside Springs United.
Burnside made 8-152 from its 40 overs, with the Dragons finishing 9-62.
With the loss, the Dragons have slipped to second.
