By Lance Jenkinson
Seabrook was left to lick its wounds after being totally outplayed on the first day of its two-day battle with West Newport in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 at Loft Reserve on Saturday.
The Saints are mired in a relegation fight and need points to leap out of the bottom two, but they showed no signs of life and surrendered meekly to be all out for 74 in 47.4 hellish overs.
West Newport not only secured the first innings points on day one, but built a handy 27-run lead, which they will be looking to add to in search of an outright result.
While the first day hurt Seabrook, it too will be hoping for a miraculous turnaround in the match on second innings. An outright result would go some way to curing the Saints ills, though it would be a long shot.
After the batsmen failed, Walgama Eranga used the ball to earn some respectability back for Seabrook. The Saints’ second change bowler finished with 2-20 off nine overs.
At the upper end of the ladder, Point Cook is well placed to make it three wins in a row against Williamstown Imperials.
The Warriors have been set a target of 186, which is well within their capabilities.
James Doolan (3-40) and Brett Talbot (3-21) were standouts with the ball for Point Cook.
Wyndham Vale is still eagerly pursuing a finals berth in division 4.
The Falcons are nine points out of the top four after a 78-run belting of Williamstown Congs at J.T. Grey Reserve.
Lachlan King was magnificent for the Falcons, carving out 103, including 12 fours, as his side made 9-194 off its maximum 40 overs.
Aaron Graham (2-21), Lance Macdougall (2-21) and David Buchanan (2-11) were lethal with the ball for the Falcons, who skittled the Congs for 116.
Wyndham Vale will travel to Caroline Springs for another one-day game on Saturday.
In division 2, Werribee Centrals face Newport-Digman, chasing 297 for victory.
MORE VTCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/west-newport-has-outright-designs-on-a-leap-up-the-ladder/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunshine-bowlers-on-attack/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/craigieburn-back-in-control/
