Point Cook Centrals remain undefeated after three rounds of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association season.
The Sharks defeated Bellbridge on Saturday to maintain their untarnished record.
On day one of the fixture the Sharks put up 249 for Bellbridge to chase, which captain Brett Talbot said he was pleased with.
“We had a few good partnerships which helps push the total,” he said.
“At times we thought it might have been a bit lower than 200 but our last wicket partnership was about 50 or 60, and that certainly helped us put some runs on the board.
“The wicket was pretty flat, it was more batting friendly.
“The conditions were hard, it was quite windy and hot so it was a good toss to win and the pitch played really well.”
Towards the end of the Sharks batting innings they declared sending in Bellbridge to bat for one over before the close of play.
“They’d been feilding for over 70 overs, so we thought we’d take a bit of a punt,” Talbot said.
“We thought we were more of a chance to take a wicket than potentially get a few more runs.
“So that was the path we went down, unfortunately it didn’t work but if it did, it would have been a stroke of genius.”
Speaking before the game, Talbot said he knew it wouldn’t be an easy day in the field for the Sharks.
“They’ve got some really good batters in their team and they bat pretty deep,” he said.
“We just have to take a couple of wickets early and try to put them under pressure.”
On Saturday, things went to plan for the Sharks, with Rahulkumar Patel taking a wicket to put Bellbridge 1-13.
Patel took three wickets for the day, as well as Wade Kirkwood and Rahulkumar Patel who also took three wickets.
“Kirkwood took over 30 wickets last year and bowls quite a heavy ball,” Talbot said.
Bellbridge were unable to fire throughout the innings, only putting up 183 in the chase.
In round two the Sharks played East Coburg and won in a tough battle.
“It was an amazing win,” Talbot said.
“They won division five last year and they’re a fantastic team, very well balanced.
“To start the season off with a win where it could have gone either way at times, we were very pleased to take the six points.”
