Tara Murray
A batting collapse proved costly for Werribee as it fell short in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west.
The match against Oakleigh started in 30-plus degree temperatures on Saturday, with Oakleigh deciding it was perfect conditions to bat.
Oakleigh made 9-199 on day one. It had been flying at 1-85 before the Tigers were able to peg it back.
Tigers captain Tim O’Brien took 3-38 to be the pick of the bowlers.
O’Brien said they were able to ping them back late in the innings.
“We toiled away,” he said. “We got a few wickets before tea and then three wickets before drinks.
“They had a late partnership. It could have been 180, but they managed to get to 199.
Rain on Sunday meant that day two had a later start with the Tigers in the end just getting 65 overs to get the runs.
The reduced overs also bought a draw back into play if the Tigers couldn’t get the runs or Oakleigh didn’t bowl them out.
In reply, the Tigers were in trouble early at 2-19.
They managed to put on 55 for the third wicket partnership before the wickets started falling.
They kept falling as the Tigers were bowled out for 121.
O’Brien said it was pretty disappointing to crumble the way that they did.
“We were in a position to win the game,” he said. “We had a bit of a batting collapse that cost us.
“At 3-100 we needed four and half runs an over. We had a couple of unlucky decisions but sometimes it goes that way.”
Matthew Burton top scored with 55 at the top of the order, but no one else passed 20.
The Tigers sit in 13th after five rounds.
O’Brien said they needed to start turning some solid performances into wins.
“We were comprehensively beaten last week, but every other game we’ve been in winning positions,” he said.
“Hopefully we can turn the tables. We have to keep working hard, they all know how to win.
“We need to learn from our mistakes and hopefully be better before Christmas and after Christmas to chalk up some wins and get in the pack.
“I think it will be tight this year.”
Meanwhile, Hoppers Crossing’s match with Caulfield ended in a draw.
The Cats decided to bat after winning the toss and managed to put on 8-289 from their overs.
Captain-coach Simon Lambert continued his good form, making 110.
Daryl Sunder Ferrario finished 76 not out.
After losing an early wicket, Caulfield steadied and were able to put together some strong partnerships.
It was 3-157 when the game was called after the delayed start.
The Cats sit in sixth spot.
In the next round of two-dayers, Werribee hosts Malvern and Hoppers Crossing is at home to Oakleigh.
