By Lance Jenkinson
Williamstown has secured its place in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west group finals after a 106-run mauling of Elsternwick at the Williamstown Cricket Ground on Saturday.
The Seagulls had no trouble defending their total of 239, rolling the Wicks for just 133 in 56.5 overs.
Seagulls spinner Patrick O’Malley continued his fine form with the ball, taking 4-38 off 13.5 overs.
It was a big week for O’Malley, who was influential in the Gulls T20 grand final triumph over Brighton.
However, it was far from a one-man band for Williamstown with all its key bowlers having an impact one way or another.
Matthew Twentyman was the other big wicket taker with 3-15, while Mitchell Ferrie (1-18), Jarrod Flood-Bauce (1-16), Fraser Hay (0-14) and Nathan Bratby (0-12) built pressure.
Photo Gallery: Williamstown vs Elsternwick
Williamstown’s victory was built on the back of strong day one batting displays from James Cook (66), Twentyman (45) and O’Malley (40).
The fourth-placed Seagulls will host Moorabbin in a final round one-day game at the Williamstown Cricket Ground on Saturday.
One side that will be nervous heading into the final round will be Yarraville.
The Eagles were towelled by Ormond in an eight-wicket defeat on Saturday, leaving them one spot outside the top six with a game to play. Ormond raced past Yarraville’s total of 159 in 51.5 overs.
Yarraville will need to beat Elsternwick and hope that either fifth-placed Ormond or sixth-placed Hoppers Crossing slip up to reach the finals.
A gutsy Altona had a one-wicket loss to Melton. The A’s only managed 122 with the bat, but Shannon Clarke’s stellar bowling of 6-46 gave them a sniff.
In the Victorian Turf Cricket Association, Yarraville Club’s top flight future will be determined this Saturday. The Clubbers need to defend their total of 7-295 against Strathmore and hope that either Spotswood or Sunshine United lose to avoid relegation.
Captain Andrew Cullen (100) and Konrad Kurta (94) were the standouts with the bat.
Spotswood has its destiny in its own hands, needing 283 against ladder leader Doutta Stars to stave off the threat of relegation.
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