By Tara Murray
Hoppers Crossing’s batters made the most of getting out in the middle in its Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west win against Malvern.
After not spending much time in the middle in recent weeks due to rain, the Cats welcomed the opportunity against Malvern.
Malvern had made 179 on day one of the match which Cats captain-coach Simon Lambert said they felt was below par.
“We were rapt with anything under 250,” he said. “It gave us a chance to win it convincingly, which is what we did.”
Lambert said the most pleasing thing out of day one was Shijit Chandran taking six wickets. He said he’d struggled to get wickets this season.
With a total they were happy with, the Warriors got the runs for the loss of just three wickets.
Instead of calling the game, they decided to bat out of the 80 overs, finishing 7-340.
Lambert said the guys were craving some time in the middle.
“It’s the first time we’d batted in a month and there were a few guys who had been out of the runs needed some time in the middle,” he said.
“I was pleased with how they came in even though the game was over and we take a lot of confidence from it that we can continue into the second half of the season.”
Chandran top scored with 98 to complete an all round game.
Lambert said he had got himself back in some form and that he would hopefully build on that.
Bibek Virk scored his first 50 in the side which Lambert said was pleasing to see.
“It’s his first 50 for us,” he said. “We’ve been working hard at training.
“I have a lot of faith in him. He hadn’t quite scored as many as he would have liked.”
The win has the Cats in fourth spot, only percentage off second spot.
This week they turn their attention to the T20 format for the last game before the Christmas break, which will be for points. Usually the T20 matches are played separately during the week.
The match is one of the side’s biggest of the years as they face local rival Werribee.
Lambert said it was interesting to go from red ball cricket to T20s.
“I think it suits our team well,” he said. “We’re aggressive with the bat and go after the ball.
“Hopefully we can put on a good showing and get another win against our local rival.”
Werribee comes into the match on the back of its second win of the season, beating Melton.
The Tigers had made 6-285 on day one of the match before bowling the Lions out for 118 on Saturday.
Jackson Hopper took four wickets, while Jonathon Burton took three.
The Tigers are in 12th spot.
