Tara Murray
Spotswood found some much needed form with the bat in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west as it aims to avoid a case of deja vu.
The Woodsmen, who are on top of the ladder, have dropped their last two matches and with 12 points splitting the top 10 teams, can’t afford to drop any more.
Having been top of the ladder at Christmas last season and then missing finals, the Woodsmen know what happens if they don’t find wins in the back end of the season.
Woodsmen coach Dan Schuppan said there was a bit of relief to have a better performance on Saturday.
“It was fantastic,” he said. “We’ve struggled since Christmas and we were disappointing against Yarraville on a good batting track.
“To respond like that and bat the whole 80 overs was really important for us, to show we can bat for long periods of time.
Schuppan said putting together a full season was always going to be the challenge for the side and he was excited about how his group responded against a strong Croydon bowling attack.
The Woodsmen made 7-281 from their overs.
Schuppan said facing a really good bowling attack and playing on a unique shaped ground they were more than happy with that score.
Ross Horkings was the star of the innings, making 113 off 206 balls after opening the batting.
Schuppan said the innings was a reward for all the hard work that he puts in.
“I’m really happy for him,” he said. “He is the heart and soul of this club.
“He could have left a number of times to go to other clubs. He does so many things off the field to make this club a better place.
“When he finishes up, he can say that he got a first XI sub-district 100.
Schuppan said they know the match is far from over, with the side needing to bowl well against a good side.
The Woodsmen also have one eye on the T20 competition, with the side one of two teams to have already secured their spots in the semi finals.
Schuppan said their T20 side had given them a glimpse of the future of the club.
“That’s fantastic,” he said. “We’ve had a really good mix of first players and kids in that time. You have to have three under-21s in the team, we’ve had four or five.
“It’s good to give those kids the experience and the chance to mix it with some really good players.
“We’re in it to win, but we’re going to continue to play the kids.
In other east-west matches on Saturday, Altona is on top after day one against Bayswater.
The A’s bowled Bayswater out for 138. Shannon Clarke took four wickets.
The A’s will resume at 2-37.
Yarraville will need plenty of runs against Donvale, which made 283.
Williamstown had a tough day out against Mt Waverley. The Seagulls were bowled out for 151. Mt Waverley will resume at 1-20.
