Tara Murray
Werribee Centrals are searching for consistency in the final few rounds of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3.
Results wise it has been a pretty tough season, with wins few and far between, but for the most part Centrals have been in the contest.
Centrals president Luke Allister said while they had no expectations heading into this season, the side wasn’t where they would like to be.
“We had a good start to the year,” he said.
“We’ve been in most games. We’ve been outplayed in two or three games, but we’ve lost key moments in games that have cost us three or four games this season.
“We’re definitely looking for consistency. We’re a brand new team with a lot of fresh faces and still learning to play together.”
Allister said there had been a number of positives this season among the side.
Jacob Russell has returned after a couple of years off and is an important player in the side.
A couple of younger players are also making their mark.
“Thomas Giallo and Lleyton Purcell are both 15-year-olds and have stepped up from the seconds,” Allister said.
“Both were out there for more than 100 balls [in this game]. It’s about getting more consistency with the older guys around them.
“It’s about learning and taking things into the next few years.”
On Saturday, Centrals fell short against the Williamstown Imperials.
Centrals were bowled out for 168 on day one of the match. Allister said they were happy to win the toss so they didn’t have to field in the heat, but they didn’t get as many runs as they would have liked.
He said closer to 200 would have been a better score.
The Imperials then had to face four overs at the end of the day. They got through unscathed and resumed at 0-2.
Speaking before day two, Allister said they needed early wickets if they were to have any chance of getting the win.
It wasn’t the case with the Imperials getting to 70 without losing a wicket.
The wickets started to fall from then, but the Imperials got home, finishing 8-169.
Jayden Golowka and Usman Ashraf took three wickets each for Centrals.
Centrals sit in ninth spot after 10 rounds.
One bright side for Centrals is the T20 competition, with the side through to finals.
Allister said it is nice to progress through to the next round and they were aiming to go deep in the competition as they look for on field success.
Meanwhile in other division 3 matches, Point Cook knocked off ladder leaders Grand United.
Chasing Grand United’s 134, Point Cook chased the runs five wickets down.
Point Cook was eventually bowled out for 177. Gurbaksh Khaira top scored with 59.
Point Cook sits third on the ladder.
In division 4, Bellbridge beat Williamstown Congs.
Chasing the Congs 191, Bellbridge did it with ease, finishing 2-204. It was Bellbridge’s third win for the season.
In division 5, Sanctuary Lakes lost to Sunshine YCW. The Sharks were bowled out for 119 in reply to Sunshine YCW’s 137.
