Point Cook has been rolled out of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association west B1 finals with a 34-run semi-final loss to Sunshine United at Saltwater Reserve.
The Warriors struggled for momentum when chasing United’s 193 and were bowled out for 158 on Sunday’s second day.
Unlike the United pairing of Indika Dharmawardane (61) and Leigh Sheridan (58), who combined for an 80-run partnership, the Warriors couldn’t get a stand worth more than 31 – and even that came when it was too late.
There were positive signs for the Warriors – including Dasith Jayatilake (24), Matthew Kelton (23), Phil Pullar (24) and, later, Aaron Whear (40 not out) – but each time it looked as though they might be about to get on top, United’s bowlers applied the blowtorch.
“They took regular wickets and kept the pressure on us the whole day,” Warriors skipper Travis Bean said.
“We needed a couple of longer, bigger partnerships and we just couldn’t quite find them.”
Despite the stop-start nature of the innings, the Warriors still had a sniff once the tailenders got involved.
Whear produced a brilliant, unbeaten knock and got some handy assistance from the bottom order.
But the top order left too much for Whear and company to do.
The last faint hope – a 31-run 10th wicket stand between Whear and Joseph Farmer (13) – ended when Farmer was trapped plumb in front.
Bean praised the dogged resistance of Whear, even if it was to no avail.
“It’s the best he’s batted in the second half of the season,” Bean said. “He really fought hard and gave us hope even when we were nine down.”
It was the Warriors’ second summer in the VTCA and Bean insists his club is on the right track.
The Warriors blooded three of their homegrown juniors into the first XI and spent most of the season sitting in the top two.
“It’s unfortunate that a whole year’s work comes down to one day, but that’s cricket,” Bean said.
“We did all right; we were 8-3 for the season. It’s only our second year in the VTCA so we’ll stick with it and the signs are good for building over the next few years.
“To make finals twice in two years, we’re happy with that and the way the club’s progressing.”
Bean singled out bowler Troy Semmens for praise after a 50-wicket summer.
