Seabrook has been dominating the Victorian Turf Cricket Association west A1 and showed no signs of dropping off in a first day blitz against Footscray ANA at Angliss Reserve on Saturday.
The Saints had to reach for the top shelf with their bowling to restrict ANA to just 164 – a total below par for the conditions.
With 20 overs to bat late in the day, the Saints finished on 1-58 and well in control as they look for a win to maintain a firm grip on top spot in the competition.
“It was a good day,” Saints skipper Leigh Edwards said. “I likened the ground at the start of the day to a 250 par score.
“It’s a good wicket, probably one of the best batting wickets in the comp, and a quick outfield.
“For us to keep them to 164 was a good outcome.”
Seabrook’s strength all summer has been its ability to share the workload. The Saints bowling attack barely afforded ANA’s batsmen any breathing space. Vishva Weerakoon set the tone, strangling the life out of ANA with 2-12 off 12 overs, including six maidens.
Walgama Eranga was the chief destroyer with 3-52 off 15, while Matthew Rayner chipped in with 2-39 off 9.4 and Edwards took 1-3 off five.
“The good thing this year is that no one is standing up and dominating, but everyone is chipping in and contributing,” Edwards said.
“When you’re not worried about who’s coming out to face next or who you’re replacing in the attack, it makes my life a lot easier as the captain.”
Seabrook was able to negotiate the last session with the bat nicely, leaving just 107 runs needed to win with nine wickets in hand.
Eranga was the only batsman to depart, he scored 12 on the back of three fours.
Jake Collins (22 not out) and Edwards (13 not out) combined to see out the day.
Collins was praised by Edwards for his willingness to dig in.
“He played really well and with great responsibility, so he definitely did the job for us, which was fantastic.”
Meanwhile, it was a rough day at the office for Bellbridge, who were bowled out for just 93 against Williamstown Congs at Gray Reserve.
The Congs finished on 6-105 to wrap up first innings points on day one.
All hope is not lost for Bellbridge though, who can aim for an ambitious outright result with a day still to play.
In north west B1, Point Cook amassed 9-272 against Sunshine YCW at Saltwater Reserve.
The top three in the order took charge for the Warriors with Brett Talbot (84), Brad Broughton (74 not out) and Harpreet Singh (46) playing the starring roles.
Upinder Kumar provided a valuable late 30 not out for the Warriors.
Wyndhamvale posted 9-178 in its clash with St Andrews Pascoe Vale at Cole Reserve.
Timothy Wilkes was the pick of the Falcons batsmen with a patient 69 not out.
In north west A1, Werribee Centrals appear to be coasting to victory against Pascoe Vale Hadfield at Galvin Park.
The Centurions are 2-93 in reply to the visitors’ 143.
