By Lance Jenkinson
Point Cook will spend another week atop the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 ladder after a commanding 43-run win over West Newport at Saltwater Reserve.
The Warriors remain two points clear of Sunshine at the top, but those two sides will meet in a mouth-watering two-day clash starting this Saturday to determine which will be the front-runner heading into Christmas.
Point Cook will go into that battle full of confidence after its dismantling of West Newport in the one-dayer on Saturday.
The Warriors produced a solid if unspectacular 9-142 off 40 overs with the bat.
After struggling early to be 5-44, the Warriors recovered through the middle order.
Player-coach Aaron Whear top-scored for Point Cook with 39, while wicketkeeper James Peterson made 27. Sarwan Kumar provided valuable late runs with 18.
It was with the ball that Point Cook took charge. The Warriors routed West Newport for 99 in 37.3 overs.
Every Point Cook bowler contributed to the Wests’ demise, but none more so than Gurbaksh Khaira, who snared 4-15 off eight. Khaira improved his season tally to 11 wickets at 10.6.
James Doolan was Point Cook’s other multiple wicket taker with 2-14.
Point Cook’s blockbuster with second-placed Sunshine will take place at Saltwater Reserve over the next two Saturdays.
Second-last Seabrook was no match for Sunshine away at Dempster Park.
The Saints’ score of 9-128 was eaten up by Sunshine in just 32 overs.
Leigh Edwards top-scored for Seabrook with 39, while Jake Collins added 23.
Dhavel Patel was the Saints’ lone multiple wicket taker with 2-9.
In division 4, Wyndhamvale’s total of 8-164 was comfortably chased down by Williamstown Congs at Wyndhamvale South Reserve.
Stephen Williams put the Falcons into a strong position with an electrifying 58 not out off 42 balls, but it was not enough to stop the Congs, who passed the target with seven overs to spare.
In division 2, Werribee Centrals had a six-wicket win over Kingsville at Galvin Park.
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