The one glaring deficiency dogging Werribee Centrals in recent seasons has reared its ugly head again in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association West A1.
The Centurions maximised their output from pacemen, got a swag of wickets out of leg spinner Luke Allister and held their catches in the field, but the batsmen let them down again in the 49-run first innings loss to Sunshine United at Selwyn Park.
PICTURE GALLERY: Werribee Centrals v Sunshine United
Centurions wicketkeeper-batsman Chris Duffin told Star Weekly it was the same old let-down from the batsmen, with impatient players unable to turn their starts into meaningful contributions.
“As has been the case the past couple of years, our batting hasn’t held up and our fielding and bowling has been exceptional,” Duffin said.
“The batting group still haven’t put the runs on the board to give our bowlers a real chance of something to bowl at.
“Guys haven’t dug in as much as they should; they’ve been getting out from lack of concentration.”
The Centurions saw enough for their batsmen in the first-day pitch to bat after winning the toss. But they could muster only 100 at two an over.
The shining light was Shaun Jennings, who top-scored in both innings: 45 in the first and 35 in the second.
“He really did some hard work in the off- season,” Duffin said. “He’s stepped up into a leadership role and, while he had a good season last year, he’s come on in leaps and bounds.”
United, as for most batting sides that come face to face with the Centurions’ attack, were in trouble at 7-77.
Allister was sensational with the ball, taking 5-50 off 23 overs.
“He was the one who got us back in the game,” Duffin said.
“He’s really stepped up this year and bowled fantastic from the first game all the way through.
“He’s got really good rhythm, a good wrong ’un as well.
“He’s usually an attacking spinner, but he’s been able to bowl economically as well this year and allowed us to set attacking fields.
“You feel like something is going to happen when we bring him on.”
United steadied to pass the target seven down.
The Centurions got some much-needed time in the middle of the second innings, posting 9-131.
While the runs didn’t exactly flow, application by the Centurions batsmen was better second time around, and it might be a turning point.
“In the first innings, blokes were facing 20 balls, if that,” Duffin said. “In the second, most of the guys were facing 40, 50 or more and spending a little bit more time at the crease.
“It’s a small positive, but the guys need to have a break-out innings.”
The winless Centurions face an uphill battle against ladder leader Williamstown CYMS in a two-dayer at Galvin Park, starting on Saturday.
The club will hold its past players’ day and has put the call out for all former players and supporters to join in the club’s special day.
