By Tara Murray
Bellbridge produced a strong allround performance to come away with a big win against Werribee Centrals in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Evans-Clark Shield on the weekend.
With a number of matches ending in draws already this season, the Bears match with the Centurions was one that they had pencilled in.
Captain Dillon Hinge said they were really happy with that performance.
“It was really good to get over the line,” he said. “It was one of those matches we picked at the start of the year.
“We had to beat them and we were able to put in a good performance with the bat and ball which was really satisfying.”
The Bears lost the toss on Saturday and were sent in by the Centurions.
They made 234 as they were bowled out on the 76th over.
Henro Dias made 76, while Daniel Spencer made 46 at the top of the order.
Hinge said the pair had really stepped up and taken responsibility for their roles.
“Dias has come from Hoppers Crossing and made two 50s now,” he said. “He has taken on that leadership.
“Daniel Spencer has gone up to the top of the order and taken on the role and made it his own.
“It helps me as captain and makes my job easier.”
Jacob Russell took 5-55 for the Centurions to be the pick of the bowlers.
Centurions had a tough day with the bat on Sunday and were bowled out for just 84.
Abdul Quader Syed top scored with 23 at the top of the order as just three batters reached double figures.
Andrew Wilks took 6-21 for the Bears while Christopher Armstrong took the other four wickets.
Hinge said the pair bowled really well.
The Centurions were sent back in with the Bears seeking an outright win.
“It landed about tea time,” he said. “We thought if we got a few early ones we would be right in it.
“The openers dug in and didn’t offer a chance.”
The Centurions finished 0-41 in their second innings.
The win was the Bears second of the season and moves it to fifth on the ladder.
“We always said that heading into Christmas that we wanted to be plus-500 with more wins than losses so getting the win on the weekend was really important.
“We play Footscray Angliss and hopefully we have another good performance and bridge the gap on the top four and hopefully play finals.”
The Centurions, who are without a win, face Laverton in their last match before Christmas.
Meanwhile, the Bears’ women’s side had a loss to Keilor in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association Georgie McElligott Shield.
Bellbridge made 2-125 from its overs with Andrea Gaylard top scoring with 41 not out.
The Blues got the runs two wickets down and finished 2-169.
After six round, the Bears sit bottom.
This Sunday they face the Greenvale Kangaroos.
