Bowler Patrick Prestidge came to the fore as Yarraville cracked a tough nut in Werribee to pick up its first win of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season.
Prestidge was the talk of the Eagles nest after Saturday’s 26-run victory at Yarraville Oval, snaring four important wickets on the second day to ensure his side could defend its mammoth 8-283 total by rolling a strong Tigers batting unit for 257.
Prestidge, who played in the seconds last season, removed Tigers captain Shaun Dean, top-scorer with 69, and danger man Tim O’Brien for one, before cleaning up the tail-end with 4-52 off 19 overs.
He also made a quickfire 59, alongside skipper Matthew Love, who made a glorious 130. Curtis Maguire also played a pivotal role with three top order wickets in 3-46 off 19.
This early big-club scalp should give the Eagles plenty of confidence for their one-day clash against Balwyn on Saturday.
Williamstown is one of just three undefeated clubs in the north-west group after two rounds, following a three-wicket win over Ivanhoe on its travels to Ivanhoe Park.
The Seagulls shared the workload, with five different bowlers taking wickets, including two each to Mitch Ferrie and Nathan Bratby, as Ivanhoe was kept to 7-161 off 45 overs.
They then chased down the target with nine balls to spare, Matthew Dervan (36), Bratby (31no) and Craig Sheedy (29) providing solid contributions and James Gillard making 23 in his first top-tier game since returning from district club Melbourne.
Altona was punished by Melton star Michael Allen, who made 116 not out in his side’s six-wicket win. The A’s will get a shot at undefeated Williamstown in a one-dayer at the Williamstown Cricket Ground on Saturday.
In the Victorian Turf Cricket Association, Yarraville Club secured victory over Hampton, while the Clubbers comfortably defended their total of 9-288.
In north division, Mark Keenan took six wickets and Shaun Delaney notched 1-15 off 17 overs, including 12 maidens, as Laverton held off Royal Park-Brunswick for an impressive 44-run win.
In west A1, Williamstown CYMS took out the Hobsons Bay derby with a 77-run win over Newport-Digman, while Altona Roosters and Footscray United both had wins.
