Williamstown CYMS have butchered a chance to leap out of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association north division relegation zone.
The CYs could not have set the game up any better as they strangled premiership contender West Coburg for a mediocre 77 in the one-day match at Morris Reserve on Saturday.
Nothing has come easy for the CYs batsmen this season and once more they left a lot to be desired as they fell four runs short: all out for 73.
The CYs suffered from stage fright with the finish line in sight.
“The nerves set in on the brink of winning a game, for a change,” CYs captain Andrew Leetet said.
Bowling out a top-two side for a double figure total, albeit on a green top in overcast conditions, takes some doing.
That effort underlined the quality of the CYs’ attack, with all six bowlers snaring wickets, including three to third-change Paul Russ.
The CYs’ fielding was near flawless, save for a sharp chance that was dropped, with seven catches and a stumping in the 32.4 overs it took to dismantle the Redbacks’ batting line-up.
“We stuck to our plans to bowl tight. There was a little bit of seam in it and everybody picked up a wicket,” Leetet said.
“We dropped one catch for the day, which was a pretty sharp chance, but everything else stuck, so that was extremely pleasing.”
Billy Millar (11) and Damitha Hunukumbura (28) got the CYs’ run chase off to a fine start with a 32-run opening stand.
The troubles started with less than 50 runs to get and nine wickets in the shed.
One wicket turned into three and suddenly CYs were 3-32.
Middle-order runs from Russ (13) took the score beyond 50 for the loss of the fourth wicket and it was still CYs’ game to lose.
But they suffered an almighty collapse, losing 6-21 and falling just short of victory.
The CYs’ batting woes are growing tiresome and threatening their place in the VTCA’s second-tier competition.
“It’s probably been the story of our year … we’ve bowled reasonably well in most games but are struggling to string partnerships together and build totals,” Leetet said. “It’s very frustrating.”
Despite sitting five points out of the safety zone, CYs will get to shape their own destiny this summer.
They still have third-last Altona North and fourth-last Keilor Park to take on in the last three games.
“We’ve just got to keep working hard and hopefully it all comes together against Keilor Park next week,” Leetet said.
