After nine straight wins, Werribee has found a way to get even stronger: promote forgotten man David Wolfe.
After quietly going about his comeback from a knee injury in the seconds, the veteran made his long-awaited return to the first XI on Saturday.
Wolfe wasted no time reminding the rest of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association of his threat with a quickfire 46 not out in the Tigers’ 1-57, with Melton’s total of 123 well within reach at MacPherson Park.
Tigers captain Shaun Dean said Wolfe’s inclusion was huge for the undefeated top-of-the-ladder team in the run in to the finals.
“He’s at the back end of his career, but he still has the presence at the crease,” Dean said. “He’s still feared around the competition. Everyone knows about David Wolfe around Melbourne cricket circles, so to have him walking out as an opener, it sends fear into the opposition.”
Werribee sent reigning premiers Melton in to bat on a warm day, with the decision paying dividends as the Tiger attack fired on all cylinders.
As is so often the case, medium pacer Heath Pritchard was the man with the ball for the Tigers, sending down 22 straight overs for an economical 3-22.
Leg-spinner Michael Freeman took 3-39 off 14.3 overs.
“He’s been bowling quite well in the nets with his leg-spinners but just hasn’t been able to get a crack this year behind Adam [Alifraco] and Tim [O’Brien] at stages,” Dean said.
“We thought we’d better get some bowling into him in case we need him in the finals, and he bowled beautifully.”
