Werribee Centrals secretary Chris Duffin declared it “honours even” after the opening day of the grand final rematch between the Centurions and St Andrews.
The sides that squared off in last summer’s Victorian Turf Cricket Association west B1 final have reignited their blossoming rivalry in the north A1.
It is a critical game for the Centurions, who are in fourth last spot on the ladder, a position that would send them back to the bottom tier with the Saints if the season ended today.
The Saints, occupying last place and with their relegation fate sealed, are yearning for a bit of payback – and what better way than to put a spanner in the works of the Centurion survival hopes.
To spice things up even more, former Centurions player-coach Phil Crea is in the enemy camp with the Saints after making a mid-season switch.
“We have to come away with a win to get further away from the relegation zone,” Duffin said. “And they want to extract some revenge for the grand final. We had a couple of guys that played for our club before who are now playing for St Andrews, so it was always going to be a big battle.”
The Centurions eked out 8-128 on day one, a respectable total considering it was shortened to 41 overs because of Melbourne’s heatwave.
The tailenders have some work to do upon resumption of play on Saturday if the Centurions are to post an imposing total.
“The guys were a bit disappointed,” Duffin said.
“The most important thing is we bat the [19] overs we’ve got left … anywhere upwards of 140 or 150 will be a good total.”
Shaun Jennings was the shining light for the Centurions with 54. He featured in a face-saving 72-run fifth wicket stand with Luke Allister (21).
Allister has a knack of figuring in important partnerships at just the right times for Werribee.
“There’s been a few times when he’s been able to put on a crucial partnership for our side and get us out of a bit of trouble,” Duffin said.
The Centurions must get it right on Saturday or face a nerve-racking final round a week later.
LJ
