By Lance Jenkinson
It has been a tough summer for newly promoted Seabrook in Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3.
The Saints’ two wins have come against bottom-of-the-ladder Footscray United – and both of those games were before Christmas.
Seabrook is desperately scrapping to get a taste of victory for the first time since December – and this could be the week.
Seabrook holds the upper hand against Williamstown Imperials at Bruce Comben Reserve.
The Saints’ bowlers were outstanding on the first day, rolling the Imperials for 156 in 74.3 overs. Most of the damage for the Saints was delivered by Dilip Sarkhell.
Sarkhell finished with season-best figures of 4-33 off 17 overs.
It was far from a lone hand though, as Walgama Eranga (3-35), Callum Hands (2-13) and James Mallia (1-17) got their slice of the wicket-taking pie.
One of the toughest aspects of two-day cricket is facing overs late in the day. Usually, the batsmen will do whatever they can just to survive to stumps, but not Seabrook opener Eranga. He saw the two overs late in the day as a great chance to eat into the target.
The Saints advanced to stumps on 0-22, with Eranga smashing 21 off eight balls, including two fours and two sixes.
Seabrook needs 135 runs for victory – it’s the best chance they will get all summer to beat a side above them on the ladder.
Point Cook’s top spot will be put under an extreme examination by Sunshine Heights on Saturday.
Photo Gallery: Seabrook vs Williamstown Imperials
The Warriors could muster only 165, but managed to snare a late wicket to have the Heights on 1-1.
Jaden Edmund top-scored for Point Cook with 34, while James Peterson added 30.
The late wicket was taken by Edmund.
In division 2, Werribee Centrals are locked in a tight battle with Williamstown CYMS.
The Centurions posted a meagre 105, but hit back with the ball to have CYs 5-65.
In division 4, Wyndham Vale claimed first-innings points over St Andrew’s on day one. Adam Walls snared 4-17 as the Falcons routed St Andrew’s for 63.
The Falcons were 5-80 in reply, with Lance Macdougall bringing up 52 not out.
In division 5, Bellbridge is 1-14, chasing Footscray ANA’s 9-218 declared.
Jonathan Newis had a day to remember for the Bears, taking 6-73.
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www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunshine-united-bowled-over-by-big-day/
