By Lance Jenkinson
Top-of-the-ladder Point Cook was confident it had the runs on the board to beat cellar dweller Seabrook in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 local derby at Bruce Comben Reserve on Saturday, but will never know for sure.
The second day’s play fell victim to the incessant rain that blanketed the western suburbs and not a single delivery was sent down.
“We were obviously very keen to play, but we didn’t even get a ball bowled,” playing coach Aaron Whear said.
“The weather Gods didn’t shine on us, so unfortunately no cricket.”
The previous Saturday was a rollercoaster ride for Point Cook.
The Warriors were feeling a little uneasy at one point on the first day before Harvinder Singh launched a rescue mission.
While the Warriors’ top order, led by Navdeep Purba (38) was solid, they found themselves in a spot of bother at 7-116 following a middle order collapse.
Thankfully for the Warriors, the lower order, led by Singh, provided a lifeline.
“They had us in all sorts,” Whear said. “We managed to recover to get it up to 210, which I still think is a good score on their ground.
“If you have a look through the stats, I think their highest score there this year is 168.
“So, a competitive game? Absolutely. “Our goal at the start of the day was 200, so to get 210, we’ve done well.
“We were always going to back ourselves.”
Singh produced a stellar knock to have Point Cook feeling a tad better come stumps.
He wreaked havoc with a run-a-ball 82, including five fours and three sixes.
Batting in partnership with Whear, the pair put on a 79-run eighth wicket partnership to boost the score.
Whear, who played the support role with 17 off 66, had a front row seat to the Singh show.
“We put on 70 odd and I really didn’t score that many, but it just shows the value of partnerships,” Whear said.
“One of the things I go on about with our players is valuing your wicket and partnership, so it doesn’t really matter who is making the runs, as long as someone is there supporting.”
Unfortunately for Singh and Whear, Point Cook did not get the chance to defend their score on the second day.
It was not all bad for the Warriors though as they remain on top of the ladder ahead of two-day games against third-placed Williamstown Imperials and second-placed Sydenham Hillside at Saltwater Reserve in the lead up to finals.
