Tara Murray
Werribee is finally on the board in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west after timing its run chase to perfection.
It had been a tough start to the season for the new look Tigers, but they were able to finally get the six points with victory against Yarraville.
Captain Tim O’Brien said they made it a bit harder than they would have liked, but they were able to get the points which was the main thing.
“I thought we could have won the last two weeks, so to get the first win on the board is pleasing,” he said.
“I think it’s a really even competition and looking at the ladder you can see how close it is.
“It was like that last year and I think it will be again this year.”
The Eagles batted after winning the toss. They made 9-162 from their overs.
O’Brien, Adam Alifraco and Stephen Plumridge took two wickets each for the Tigers.
O’Brien said they were happy to have kept the Eagles to that total.
In the chase, the Tigers were 2-130 before they lost three quick wickets to slip to 5-136.
The Tigers steadied and hit the runs with two balls remaining, finishing 5-164.
“Maahi Patel was able to stick with me in the end to get us over the line,” O’Brien said. “He has a good head on his shoulders.
“He’s one to keep an eye on in the future. He’s had a good start to the season and we will look to get him up the order and give him more opportunities.”
O’Brien finished unbeaten on 72, while Patel was eight not out.
Patel isn’t the only one to watch according to O’Brien.
Kai Logan got his chance to make his first XI debut after a false start earlier in the season.
“We picked him for the last two-dayer,” O’Brien said. “The wicket changed [when it became a one-dayer] and we went with another seamer.
“He’s a really confident young guy who bowled fantastically. He’s only 20 years of age. When we lost some players we were hoping to find some long term players coming out of the second XI.”
The Tigers now face Caulfield this Saturday in another one-dayer.
O’Brien said they had been the benchmark of the competition for a long time and would be a good test.
“They had a loss on Saturday,” he said. “Hopefully we can keep the momentum and put a good effort in and get the win against them.”
Meanwhile, Hoppers Crossing made it two in a row with a win against Ormond.
After being sent in, Ormond made 9-150 from its 45 overs.
Brett Smith and Daryl Sunder Ferrario took three wickets each for the Cats.
The Cats got off to a flier with the bat and were 0-94 before losing both openers.
Hoppers Crossing was able to steady and come away with a convincing win.
The Cats finished 4-151 off 22.2 overs.
Lambert top scored with 55.
