When fit and firing, Werribee Centrals have one of the most damaging new-ball combinations in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association north A1 . . . the Centurions were just waiting for last summer’s premiership heroes, Sam Crea and Aaron Edrich, to show it.
On Saturday, Crea struck with an early wicket to spark a tough day at the office for St Francis de Sales, who were bowled out for 130 at Galvin Park.
It also signalled the return of the Centurions speedsters, with Crea finishing with 2-40 in 17 overs and Edrich 2-28 off 19.
“Our fast bowlers were phenomenal today,” Centurions opening batsman Chris Duffin told the Weekly.
“We had to use the bowlers in shorter, sharper spells [because of the hot conditions] so it was important for them to then come back on and really fire up.
“They’ve definitely increased their intensity.
“I think that’s what all three fast bowlers did; they were pretty much on the mark straight away and were able to get a wicket to justify the bowling change.”
The third of the Centurions pace attack was second XI premiership player Justin Davies, who was named as a replacement for youngster Nathan Johnson after he told the club during the week he intended to have the rest of the season off.
Davies turned in a blinder of a debut, snaring 4-19 off 13 overs and with a late run-out providing the cherry on the top.
“It’s a perfect example of taking your opportunity,” Duffin said.
“You come in, first game in the first XI, you get a wicket in your first over, you take four wickets and then get a run-out.
“When it’s a warm day, you want your bowlers to bowl to a plan and that’s what he did.
“He was consistent, he bowled good line and length, wicket to wicket with three lbws and a bowled.”
The Centurions made an inauspicious start to be 2-4 before in-form Nick Sardi (15), who made 75 a game earlier, and Azif Mohamed (eight), survived to stumps with the score 2-27 and a gettable 104 runs required.
Smart batting will be the order of the day for the Centurions on Saturday.
“Our goal is to bat the day and let the result take care of itself,” Duffin said.
