By Ewen McRae
A Cameron Nicol century delivered the win to Hoppers Crossing in the Victorian Sub District Cricket Association south-west first XI season opener against Taylors Lakes at the weekend.
After Taylors Lakes fought back from a slow start last week to set a target of 239, the Cats seemed to have all the answers on day two as the top order wiped out much of the deficit before losing a wicket and batting through the day to finish on 6-296 from their 80 overs.
Nicol opened with gun recruit Jack Rhodes and together the pair frustrated the Lions bowlers with a well-constructed opening stand, taking full toll of anything loose and a lightning outfield.
Rhodes was the first to go, for 39, when Nipun Sumanasinghe trapped him in front, but the 99-run partnership had Hoppers Crossing in the box seat.
Sumanasinghe picked up a second wicket to breathe life into the Lions’ day, but when Trent Said joined Nicol at the crease the match began to slip away.
The pair moved to 180 before Said (36) departed, but Manny Singh got Nicol to his century soon afterwards as the visitors closed in on the win.
Nicol was eventually bowled for 103 by debutant Dilshan Kanchana (1-69) with victory in sight, but the Cats reached the target soon after.
Hoppers Crossing batted out the day, with Luke Goegan (40 not out) looking impressive.
Sumanasinghe was the clear standout with the ball for the Lions, finishing with 3-86 off 22 overs, while Vishesh Bansal (2-46) was good in his first game for the club.
Elsewhere, Werribee could not prevent Caulfield getting a win, but was able to improve with the bat on the second day to avoid an outright loss.
After posting just 96 on day one, and with Caulfield already 2-54 at stumps, Werribee knew it needed quick wickets if it was to be any chance of scoring an upset result.
While it was able to snare the early wicket of Johnathon Aikins, Werribee couldn’t get another breakthrough until Caulfield was building its lead.
The hosts got their total to 6-202 before declaring, with James Freeman, Michael Kelly and Bradley Apps grabbing two wickets apiece.
In reply, Werribee was 3-44 and a chance of conceding the full points before a crucial 52 from captain Tim O’Brien steered it out of trouble.
Werribee finished on 6-126 at the close of play.
FOR MORE VSDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/hoppers-crossing-chases-down-taylors-lakes/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/altona-looks-long-term/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/gales-force-the-key-to-meltons-win1/
