Harper Sercombe
Werribee is back on the winners list in the Victorian Sub- District Cricket Association north-west.
The Tigers lost the toss to Brunswick on Saturday afternoon and were sent in to bat first for the one-day clash at Chirnside Park.
After a shaky start the Tigers found themselves at 2-12 after just five overs, leaving skipper Tim O’Brien and Nathan Taylor to steady the ship.
O’Brien was able to alleviate some pressure, making 20, while Taylor kicked on, top scoring with 88.
James Freeman was able to pile some runs on late, making 77 from 75 balls which included five fours and two majors, to get his side to 5-236 at the end of the 45 overs.
It was the opposite when it was Brunswick’s turn with willow in hand, putting together a strong opening stand of 57 until the first wicket fell.
From there Brunswick struggled to put together an impactful partnership, being bowled out for 210 from 42.2 overs.
Freeman was also handy with the ball, taking 3-38 from his seven overs.
Matthew Harmer was strong with the gloves, taking three catches and stumping Benjamin Moss off Adam Alifraco’s bowling, when he was on 15.
“Coming off two losses it was a pretty important game for us,” O’Brien said.
“We didn’t start too well being 2-12 but Taylor and Freeman batted superbly and got us to a good total.
“Nathan made a lot of his run early doors and James put his foot on the pedal a bit later.”
O’Brien hasn’t had much luck with the coin toss this season, losing it four times in the first five rounds, however he said this one was a good one to lose.
“We probably would have had a bowl, but I’m glad we bat first because the wicket actually played quite well,” he said.
“It probably wasn’t the best looking wicket but it played really well throughout the day.”
The chase from Brunswick was admirable coming just 27 runs away from victory with 16 balls left in the innings.
“They’ve got some really good players in their side,” O’Brien said.
“We were never definitely winning but we just stuck at it and were able to get consistent wickets to put the pressure on.
“They had a couple of overs where they were able to get 10 or 13 runs, but we were able to take some wickets to put them back under pressure.
“We were able to get the run rate above a run a ball from pretty early in the game so we knew they were going to have to take some risks.”
This week the Tigers are at the Williamstown Cricket Ground, facing Williamstown in a two-day clash over the Saturday and Sunday.
Williamstown is coming off a comprehensive loss to Taylors Lakes.
“We always have a good tussle with them,” O’Brien said. “We’re looking forward to playing them.”
Hoppers Crossing was able to get another win for the VSDCA season, defeating St Bernard’s OC backing up last week’s good performance against Strathmore.
Captain-coach Simon Lambert top scored for the Cats with 71.
With the ball, former Victorian first class player Fawad Ahmed spun a web, taking 3-22 from his nine overs. Ahmed also took three catches.
This week the Cats play Melton at Hogans Road Reserve.
