Werribee’s Dean brothers have feasted on runs in the opening two rounds of the sub-district cricket season.
They led the charge for Werribee again on Saturday, combining for 126 for the second wicket in an imposing 4-253 from 80 overs against arch-rivals Williamstown at Chirnside Park.
Matt Dean scored his second ton in as many innings, piling on 103 in an aggressive and entertaining style.
Brother Shaun passed the half century for the second time in a row with a cool, calm unbeaten 85.
VIEW A PICTURE GALLERY FROM THIS MATCH
Tigers playing coach Mitch Johnstone told Star Weekly the brothers were in the zone.
“They know their craft really well and we’re pretty lucky to have them,” he said.
“It means not many others are getting much of an opportunity, but it’s not a bad problem to have.”
The Dean boys didn’t look like getting out.
Their batting styles complemented each other, with Matt finding a heap of boundaries while Shaun was happy to turn over the strike.It turned into a day of frustration for the Williamstown bowlers because of the Deans’ stubbornness at the crease.
“Matt’s been out twice this season, once with a dodgy lbw and the other time looking to accelerate,” Johnstone said. “Shaun’s been out once, on the last ball of the game, last round. They’re going pretty well.”
Time to take the next step
Marcus Worrall also played a key role at the top of the order, finishing with 22 and taking the shine off the ball, but Johnstone wants to see the opener turn starts into big scores.
“From a team perspective, it’s excellent; he’s giving us a good platform,” Johnstone said.
“From an individual standpoint, we want him to go that next step.
“He’s batting around three really good players in the top four and we want him to learn from those guys about getting through the danger period. We’ll be looking for him to kick on down the track.”
Tim O’Brien was run out for a duck, while Adam Alifraco was stumped without troubling the scorers.
Johnstone, who came in late and put on a valuable 29 not out, said a score around 250 is “probably par” for the conditions.
He’s confident in his side’s attack to get the job done, but wary of Williamstown’s strong batting line-up.
“It will require some good bowling next week, but we’re relatively confident with our bowling attack that we can defend the score,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hoppers Crossing faces an uphill task after producing just 124 against Yarraville at Hogans Road Reserve.
Opener James Grixti (44), Duleeka Thisakuttige (23) and Alex Wyatt (24) were the only shining lights of the Cats’ innings.
Yarraville is in the box seat, finishing the day on 0-17.
