Werribee was able to overcome difficult conditions and Bayswater to further cement its spot as a finals contender in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west.
After a tough start to the season, the Tigers have moved into the top six before Christmas and are keen to stay there.
Saturday’s win against Bayswater will help with that.
“We pinpointed this match as a really important one,” coach Brad Robertson said.
“Bayswater is around the same mark and had we lost it put us in a position that we had to keep winning for the rest of the season.
“This keeps us in the mix and gives us more confidence.”
It wasn’t an easy day for the batters on Saturday as the competition resumed after the Christmas break.
Bayswater won the toss and decided to bat first at Chirnside Park.
Scoring was hard to come by and the side was bowled out for 119 in the final over.
Robertson said they bowled really well on a pitch that was a bit slow and played up and down.
“It was fantastic,” he said. “It was difficult batting conditions and we bowled really well.
“It was difficult for the batters to feel set.
“We were hoping that the wicket would get better as the day went on.
“Batting got earlier and we knew we had a chance and we knew what risks to take.”
Robertson said the spin duo for Kai Logan (two wickets) and Dean Russ (three wickets) were the keys as they bowled well and with a lot of control.
Mitchell Cullen also took three wickets.
The Tigers were able to chase the runs down in the 41st over, finishing 6-123.
Robertson said they had some really good contributions.
He highlighted Madhur Ghai, who top scored with 36 not out, as a player who was coming into his own.
Jonathan Burton finished 26 not out, providing a handy innings to ensure the run chase didn’t become a bit scary.
After nine rounds, Werribee sits in sixth spot. Just six points separates fourth and 10th.
The Tigers are at home the next two weeks in another two one-dayers.
Robertson said with the ground being a unique one they were hoping to make the most of playing at home and set up the back part of their season.
The Tigers face Bayswater, another side in that battle for finals spots, this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hoppers Crossing had a tough day out against Balwyn.
Balwyn was bowled out for just 133 in the 36th over.
Brett Smith took three wickets for the Cats.
Despite the low run chase, the Cats couldn’t get the job done.
They made just 121 as they were bowled out in the 38th over.
Simon Lambert top scored with 39 as just two batters past 20.
The Cats sit in fourth spot.
Hoppers Crossing faces Donvale this Saturday in a one-dayer.
