Tara Murray
Werribee is yet to hit full pace, but its season is back on track in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west.
After two straight losses, the two-time defending champions found themselves in a position they haven’t been in for a few years.
But back-to-back wins against Yarraville and Bayswater has the Tigers lurking just outside the top six heading into the Christmas break.
Tigers captain Tim O’Brien said the last couple of weeks had been massive in the context of their season.
“It was pretty important the last two games to keep in touch with the top six,” he said. “We played okay yesterday [Saturday] and it wasn’t our best game, but we did enough to get the result.”
O’Brien said it had been their batting that had really stepped up the last couple of weeks after a slow start to the season.
On both occasions the Tigers have bowled first and kept the opposition to what was considered under the par score.
“We’ve been looking to occupy the crease and get runs without doing anything silly,” O’Brien said.
On Saturday against Bayswater, Bayswater was restricted to 6-163 from its 45 overs.
It was all single wicket takers for the Tigers, with all but one bowler taking one wicket.
The Tigers were in trouble at 3-26, but recovered to finish 4-166 in the 30th over.
Ryan Alifraco top scored with a quick fire 59, while O’Brien made 58 not out.
With Matt Dean still out injured, other players are getting their opportunities at the top of the order.
“Matthew Burton came in and had a good partnership against Yarraville,” he said. “He definitely deserved his opportunity and he put his hand up last week
“Ryan made 50 odd off 30 balls on Saturday. There’s a lot of depth in the club and other players have stepped up.”
O’Brien said while they sit outside the top six, in ninth spot, they aren’t disappointed with how the first part of the season has gone.
The Tigers are just one game behind second place.
“It’s pretty even so far,” he said. “A lot of the team play each other who are in the mix.
“We’ll have a good break and regroup and hopefully play finals.”
The first match back is a one-dayer, before sides will finally return to two-day cricket for the first time since before COVID-19.
O’Brien said many of their group had played their best cricket in the longer format and were keen to get back to playing red ball cricket.
Hoppers Crossing also sits just outside the top six at the break in eighth spot, percentage ahead of Werribee.
On Saturday the Cats lost to Box Hill.
After being sent in, Box Hill was bowled out for 189 in the 42nd over.
William Slattery took 5-49 off his nine overs.
The Cats looked on track for victory at 1-27, but once the wickets started to fall, they kept falling as they were all out for 156.
Simon Lambert top scored with 64.
