Tara Murray
Hoppers Crossing quickly moved on from a disastrous first up performance with the bat to open its account in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west on Saturday.
The Cats were bowled out for just 66 including losing 7-3 at the end of the innings in round one, but it was a much better performance on Saturday against Elsternwick despite some late nervous moments.
Cat captain-coach Simon Lambert said round one was a distant memory
“Round one didn’t go quite to plan,” he said. “It can be a bit of a lottery.
“Strange things can happen and you take it with a pinch of salt. Western Australia lost 8-1 and India was all out for 40.
“We’ve brushed it under the carpet and feel like when we play our best cricket we are right up there.”
On Saturday against Elsternwick, the Cats showed some resolve to come away with the win.
The Cats won the toss and decided to send Elsternwick in.
After being in trouble at 4-30, Elsternwick steadied and finished 6-199.
“We had them four for not many and we were right in the game,” he said. “The pitch then flattened out.
“We bowled well but their captain counteracted. Two hundred was a fair achievement from where they were.”
In the Cats’ run chase, it wasn’t easy.
Constant wickets fell but they were able to hit the winning runs with one wicket and one over remaining.
They finished 9-205.
Lambert was the pillar for most of the innings, making 61.
“When I went out we still needed 60 to get over the line,” he said. “In the latter stages we needed six runs with three wickets in hand.
“We were then nine down still needing six runs and I thought here we go again. Abbas [Faiyaz] got us home and it was really pleasing.”
Lambert said after dropping a number of close games in recent seasons, he said it was good to finally get over the line in a close one.
He said it reinforced their belief that they are a good side and gives them confidence they can win in those situations.
The Cats this week face Ormond,
He said with early results, it shows you have to be at your best if you’re to get the result.
Elsewhere, Werribee is without a win after the first two rounds.
On Saturday, the Cats lost to Ormond.
Ormond batted first and was bowled out for 147 in the 41st over.
The Tigers shared the wickets around, with five bowlers taking two wickets each.
After a solid start the Tigers started to lose constant wickets.
They ended up needing five runs with two wickets in hand but couldn’t get the job done, bowled out for 123.
Adam Alifraco top scored with 47 as just two other players scored double figures.
