Wyndham Vale produced its best batting performance in a number of years as it hopes to kick start its Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield season.
It’s been a tough start for the Vales, but on Saturday they were able to put it together with the bat to give themselves a shot at a win against Jacana.
Vales’ president Jay Dolliver said it was nice to see a batting performance like that.
“It was nice to get a pretty even spread across the whole squad,” he said.
“We haven’t done that for a while, in the past few years we’ve relied on a couple to make the runs and get the wickets.”
The Vales made 256 as they were bowled out with two overs remaining.
Six batters scored between 20 and 50 such was the spread of the run contributors.
Michael Fry top scored with 47 off a remarkable 216 balls.
“It’s funny,’ said Dolliver. “Everyone talks about how slow he is but it allows everyone else to play to their strengths.
“It’s his strength and it allows the team to play to its strengths.”
Dolliver said he thought the innings was the best for the first XI in six or seven years.
“We made a few scores over 200 last year when we started the year well,” he said.
“It was nice to see an even contribution.”
Dolliver said while the score book didn’t have a win as of yet, the side had been better than the past few years.
He said it was just a matter of finishing games off.
“Twice we’ve had teams 6-50 and let ourselves down a little bit,” he said. “We’re not as bad as team we was have been over the last few years.
“Hopefully we can finish it off this week.”
Dolliver, who is out injured with a broken toe, said other players would have to step up with the ball to complete the job this weekend.
“The young bowling group will get this chance,” he said.
“The younger guys have relied on the older guys to get the job done.
“They are more than ready the young guys. Hopefully we can step up to the challenge and take a few wickets.”
Elsewhere, Point Cook Centrals have already claimed first innings points in the Roy Picone Shield.
The Sharks bowled Melton South Royals out for 85. Max Rouvray took 5-30 off 10 overs for the Sharks.
The Sharks will resume at 6-127.
Point Cook made 199 against ladder leaders Caroline Springs. Neeten Chouhan made 87 at the top of the ladder.
Caroline Springs will resume at 1-1.
In the Clark Shield, Werribee Centrals made 268 against Sunshine YCW. Luke Simpson made 104.
Bellbridge is in trouble in its match with Pascoe Vale Central.
The Bears were bowled out for 173 with Pascoe Vale Central finishing day one at 1-107.
