Point Cook Centrals overcame a couple of midweek injuries and the weather to beat Melton South Royals in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield.
The Sharks have become somewhat of a wet weather specialist having claimed points for the second time this season, when many teams didn’t get on.
The Sharks’ Brett Talbot said the weather was quite annoying on Saturday as they were on and off the field all day.
The side entered day two of the match with a 42 run lead.
The Royals had been bowled out for 85 with the Sharks to resume at 6-127.
“The intent was to bat for five to 10 overs and then have 70 odd overs at them,” Talbot said.
“We felt like that was enough but we lost overs with everyone coming on and off.”
Sharks’ skipper Owen Doolan was one of the unbeaten batsmen and had to retire straight away on day two after hurting his hamstring in the midweek T20 match.
Wicketkeeper James Garnham also dislocated his shoulder in that match.
The Sharks finished their innings at 9-143.
Garnham top scored with 39 for the Sharks.
The Sharks bowlers then set about giving themselves a chance at an outright win,
They had the Royals in trouble at 5-44. The Royals dug in and finished the day at 5-50 to avoid an outright loss.
“They were stubborn,” Talbot said. “Andrew Hodgart knows how to make sure they don’t lose outright.
“There were a couple of close LBWs which weren’t in our favour, that is cricket.
“We had some good bowling spells and kept the pressure on but they were very difficult to get out.”
Mitchell Waugh was the only multiple wicket-taker for the Sharks with two.
The win was the Sharks third of the season.
It comes after they lost their last two matches.
Talbot said it was nice to get back on the winners list.
“We did have some bad losses and those teams outplayed us,” he said.
“We were able to get a good result and to get a convincing win which was nice.”
Talbot said they would get some reinforcements this week coming which would be a good boost for the side.
The Sharks this week face East Keilor in a Saturday-Sunday clash.
Talbot said on their day they can take it up to any team and they had to be switched on.
Meanwhile in the Clark Shield, Bellbridge lost to Pascoe Vale Central
The Bears had been bowled out for 173 on day one of the match, with Pascoe Vale making 5-174 in reply.
Werribee Centrals didn’t get on against Sunshine YCW.
In the Russell Pollock Shield, Wyndham Vale’s hopes of a first win of the season ended in a draw.
The Vales had made 256 on day one of the match, with the Jaguars’ 7-152 when play ended.
