Werribee Centrals arrested their three-game losing streak with an upset win over top-four side Seddon in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association north A1 on Saturday.
The Centurions’ barren run had seen them slide into the bottom-four drop zone.
A positive result in this win-at-all-costs game ensured they avoided sinking deeper in the quicksand and kept their slim finals hopes alive.
“It was a great result for the club,” Centurions secretary Chris Duffin said.
“We’ve been in a position where we’ve had quite a few close losses, so it was great to finally put a complete performance together.”
Asked if the win had reignited the Centurions’ finals flame, Duffin was not looking that far down the track.
“It’s a topsy turvy year with the ladder and a lot of sides are beating each other,” he said. “You’ve got to take it week by week.”
The Centurions rocked Seddon’s batting line-up from the outset with opening bowlers Sam Crea (4-15) and Aaron Edrich (2-10) in a menacing mood.
At one stage, the visitors were 5-3 but their tail wagged for a final total of 79.
Crea enjoyed season-best figures in his eight overs.
“He’s a bit of a barometer,” Duffin said. “When Sam is up and firing like last year, the side is generally in a good position.”
The Centurions nervously passed the target five down to finish with 147 off 40 overs.
Shaun Jennings (44no) and Luke Simpson (41no) arrived at the crease with 19 needed for victory and guided the home side past the winning post.
The Centurions face third-last Youlden Parkville away at the Ryder Oval in the ninth-round two-dayer in an encounter that will shape the trajectory of the rest of their season.
