Tara Murray
Losing quick wickets proved costly for Werribee in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west.
After a first up win, the Tigers faced the high profile Endeavour Hills on Saturday in a good early test for the side, that has won two premierships in a row.
While the Tigers had a strong start, they weren’t able to maintain it with the bat. Endeavour Hills batsmen then getting the job done.
Tigers captain Tim O’Brien said it just wasn’t there day.
“We didn’t have the best day,” he said. “It’s only early in the season, hopefully we can build on that going forward.
“We won the toss and got off to a not too bad start. We then lost four quick wickets and were behind the eight ball.”
The Tigers finished with 7-156 from their overs, with O’Brien top scoring with 48.
O’Brien said they were about 50 runs short of what they needed.
Endeavour Hills made the runs with ease, finishing 3-157, hitting the winning runs in the 33rd over.
Former Sri Lankan star Thilakarathna Dilshan top scored with 70.
“We needed to get early wickets, but they batted really well at the start,” O’Brien said.
“That was the difference in the game. They took four quick wickets and we didn’t.
“They have three players who have played for their nations. It’s a good experience for our bowlers to bowl to some quality players like that.”
Michael Kelly took two of three wickets for the Tigers.
The Tigers this week face Noble Park and Box Hill this weekend in back-to-back one-dayers.
O’Brien said they hoped that James Freeman and Matthew Gudde would return to the side for both of those matches.
“We haven’t played these sides for three years so we don’t know what we’re coming up against,” he said.
“Hopefully we’ll play some better cricket this week and bounce back on Saturday and Sunday.”
Hoppers Crossing was brought back to earth on Saturday, losing to Donvale.
After a strong first win, the Cats found the going tougher on Saturday.
Donvale won the toss and decided to bat, making 8-170 off its overs. Henro Dias took four wickets for the Cats.
The Cats innings didn’t start well with both openers gone early on. At 3-117, things were looking good for the Cats, before they lost 7-37 to be all out for 154.
Brett Smith top scored with 48.
The Cats this week face Mt Waverley and Taylors Lakes.
