The rain held off long enough for Spotswood to get an important win against Hoppers Crossing in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west on Saturday.
With the two sides expected to be among the contenders this season, the match was a good test of where both sides were at.
The Woodsmen made 279 on day one of the match, with Lachie McKenna top scoring with 93.
There were a few nervous moments on Saturday, but the Woodsmen bowlers were able to get the job done, bowling the Cats out for 258.
Woodsmen coach Paul Baker said it was a really good result.
“I thought the rain was going to come and ruin it for us,” he said. “It looked like it would hit and possibly wash us out.
“There was only light drizzle for 45 minutes to an hour.”
Baker said it was a tough day in the field, with the Cats batting really well.
He said while they could have had more runs on the board after a strong start to their innings, but they were happy with 279.
“The boys fought it out and it was a hard score to chase,” he said.
On Saturday, Brett Smith proved to be the danger man for the Cats as he looked to guide his side to victory.
He finished 103 not out but ran out of partners in the end.
“I thought after the last drinks that they might get it,” Baker said.
“If we didn’t get the wickets, they would have got the runs.”
Sandeep Mandalika took 5-67 to be the pick of the bowlers for the Woodsmen.
The Woodsmen are one of five undefeated sides after two rounds.
The team is aiming to bounce back after missing finals last year.
Baker, who has taken on the coaching role this season, said they were happy with the squad they had put together
“It’s a good mix and there’s few young fellows that have come into the club,” he said.
“One made 100 in the twos and some are bowling well, there’s a little bit of depth.”
The big signing for the Woodsmen was that of Blayde Baker from Victorian Premier Cricket.
Paul said it was nice to get his son across and he would help fill the hole left by Taylor Tatterson.
“Blayde has started the season well and added that extra depth of experience,” he said.
“Taylor is set to take 12 months off and come back next year.
“It’s hard to replace a quality player like that. Hopefully we get him back next year and add more depth to the side.”
The Woodsmen face Noble Park this Saturday.
Baker said they are a strong team with the bat and it would be a good challenge.
Elsewhere, Altona got the job done against Werribee.
The A’s finished 4-155 in reply to the Tigers’ 153.
Yarraville had a strong bowling performance to skittle Mt Waverley for just 90 well short of the Eagles 9-244.
Williamstown avoided an outright loss against Noble Park.
The Seagulls finished 5-19 in their second innings.
