By Lance Jenkinson
While yet to notch a win this season, Seabrook has been competitive in all of its Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 games, largely on the back of its strong bowling.
The Saints batsmen get their chance to shine this Saturday as they aim to hunt down a 209 victory target set by Sunshine Heights at Bruce Comben Reserve.
It is not the last chance saloon for the Saints, but a loss will leave them a long way behind the pack in the chase for a top four berth.
Saints president Aaron Spackman has been encouraged by what his team has delivered so far, but knows a win is desperately needed to change the course of their season.
“To our guys’ credit, we are winless so far this year, but we’ve been very competitive in all our games,” he said.
“I’m just hoping for the boys that we can get that win sooner rather than later.
“We’re hoping the batsmen can do their job and get us to that win.”
Seabrook bowled well to restrict Sunshine Heights to 208 in 77.3 overs.
The red-hot Heights’ top order batsman Saman Gonawala slipped off the leash to make 73, but the Saints kept the rest of the visiting batsmen in check.
“There were a few overs in the middle where Sunshine Heights got away from us with a partnership of 105, which was some very good batting,” Spackman said.
PHOTO GALLERY: Seabrook vs Sunshine Heights
“To our bowlers credit, they came back well, led by the captain Dilip Sarkhell and Varinderpal Singh.
“They fought back into the game.” Singh was sensational for Seabrook. The opening bowler took his first five-for as a Saint, finishing with 5-38 off 20.3 overs.
“It was a really good bowling effort,” Spackman said.
“He was getting that angle across the bat and the ball was working for him.
“He bowled his second spell into a pretty strong breeze, so to bowl 12 overs straight into that was a pretty good effort.
“In that spell, he might have got all five of his wickets.”
Sarkhell was the other weapon with the ball for Seabrook.
The medium pacer took 3-47 off 20 overs. A big afternoon awaits Seabrook this Saturday, where they can show their intent for the rest of the summer.
“I think the game is near enough line ball,” Spackman said.
