Tara Murray
Wyndhamvale is hoping to finish the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 on a high.
It has been an up and down season for the Vales, with just two wins heading into the final round which started on Saturday.
But a strong performance with the ball, has the Vales in a good position with the ball to topple fourth-placed Sanctuary Lakes.
The Sharks were bowled out for just 107 in 39 overs. Craig Campbell and Jacob Carter took three wickets each for the Vales.
Vales coach Jay Dolliver was happy with the performance.
“We’re really happy,” he said. “We are a pretty young group and we’ve been up and down at times this season.
“To have bowled as well as we did, to restrict them for 107 was really good for us.”
The Vales were 4-43 when stumps were called early after rain fell.
Dolliver said it was a bit tricky to bat due to a wet wicket, but they had put together a good partnership before stumps which they hoped to continue this week.
Dolliver is unbeaten on 23.
Wade Kirkwood has three of the wickets for the Sharks.
Dolliver said a win in the final round would be a nice way to finish the season, while it would also stop the Sharks from playing finals.
He said having lost a couple more senior players in the off season, youth was always going to be the focus this season.
He said they knew it might hurt their results, but it would put the club in a good spot moving forward.
“We decided to back the youth in and we’re pretty inexperienced,” he said. “That comes with fluxation of form.
“Nathan Griffiths and Michael Fry have been the most consistent young performers. Jacob Carter and Jakob Wojcik are two young bowlers that have played well too.
“They’re all 19-20 and hopefully they stick around for the future.”
All the Vales senior teams will miss finals. Dolliver said the second XI, which was more experienced, had been about the mark, while the third and fourth XIs had struggled as they adjusted to playing in a new competition.
He said despite not winning a game the fourth XI had remained really upbeat.
In division 3, there were plenty of wickets between Point Cook and Glenroy.
Glenroy was skittled for just 68 with Ross Martin taking 5-16 and Max Rouvray taking three wickets.
Finals bound Point Cook’s top order also failed with the side in trouble at 5-39 at stumps.
Dasith Jayatilake is 10 not out.
Werribee Centrals have a tough ask on their hands against Caroline Springs.
The Falcons made 3-309 before declaring after 51 overs.
Centrals lost four quick wickets and will resume at 4-13.
In division 4, Bellbridge is 0-9 in reply to Williamstown Colts 173.
Andrew Wilks took five wickets for Bellbridge.
