It was back to the Werribee Centrals of old in a 55-run scorching of Craigieburn in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association north A1 on Saturday.
The Centurions’ premiership success last summer, albeit in a division lower, was built on their ability to build pressure with the ball and in the field.
The bowlers recaptured their mojo at DS Aitken Reserve on Saturday, routing the Eagles for just 68.
“We just wanted to focus on our goal and that was to do the basics right for the day, whether that was in the field … whether it be the bowlers. We were just asking for discipline,” Centurions opening batsman Chris Duffin said.
“You couldn’t fault any of the bowlers.”
It is widely known that the Centurions’ new-ball attack is one of the most lethal combinations in the division.
Aaron Edrich made the most of the fresh cherry to remove both opening batsmen. He finished with 2-14 off nine overs.
Young speedster Sam Crea didn’t give an inch either with 0-9 off seven.
“They did a really good job,” Duffin said.
“It was about bowling outside off-stump, bowling well to their field and using the wicket, which helped bowling with the new ball.”
In years past, the Centurions might have turned to slower change bowlers to complete the mission, but the addition of Justin Davies has changed that.
Davies kept the batsmen on their toes en route to 3-7 off eight overs.
“He really complements our opening bowlers,” Duffin said.
“We’ve got two really good, fast bowlers to open up and then to have him continue that trend is important.
“The opposition realise we’ve got Sam and Aaron, so they probably would’ve been thinking they’d be able to score freely once they came off.
“But then Justin came on and played his part.”
Two run-outs and a Dean Giarrusso wicket later and the Centurions had a minuscule target of 69 for victory.
Even after a collapse that saw them lose 4-8 in the middle of the innings, the Centurions comfortably passed the target on the back of 32 to Giarrusso and 27 to Blair Hemmingson.
Davies completed a brilliant game with 22 not out.
The Centurions have an important clash with Altona Roosters away for the next two Saturdays. Both sides are 2-2 and eager to push into the top four.
“It can really set up our season if we win this one,” Duffin said.
