Harper Sercombe
Point Cook is in a winning position for its Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone clash against East Keilor.
After being sent in to bat, the Warriors were able to bide their time at the crease, exploding after a slow start.
The Warriors made 220 runs after the main break to reach a strong total of 9-306. Krishan Kumar was an obvious standout of the day, making an unbeaten 123, while Mayank Sharma played second fiddle, scoring a quick 76 off just 67 deliveries. Karandeep Singh was also handy making 41.
Warriors coach Carmine Conte said he was delighted with his side’s batting performance.
“Last week was a good win and this week they batted as a unit on a very, very tricky deck early,” he said.
“We were only 80 at tea, then the wicket got better and the boys got in and got accustomed to the conditions and made some runs which was good.
“We started slow again after tea, and then the wicket started playing true and we started playing our shots and it was good, really intelligent batting.
“It was all in partnerships which was also good to see.
“That score is well over par. I started the day looking at the deck saying that if we got 200 I’d be wrapped. I think the average is about 140 at that ground.
“Being 4-80 at tea I was pretty happy, we batted very sensibly, the up and down nature of the wicket took a couple of wickets, but we were very, very happy.”
While there may be an outright victory in sight, Conte said he is focused on a first innings win before he begins to focus on securing extra points.
“You don’t really plan for outrights, we’ll be attacking obviously and see what happens,” he said. “You don’t plan for it but if you are put into a position where you can get it you go for it.
“We need to bowl good lines, hold our catches and be attacking.
“With a score like that you can attack more, you can put more fielders in attacking positions and see what happens.”
If the Warriors were to secure victory on Saturday it would be the club’s fourth win in a row with finals just around the corner.
The Warriors currently sit in fifth place, just one point behind Pascoe Vale in fourth.
In other matches, Werribee Centrals have already conceded first innings points against the Williamstown Imperials.
The Centurions were bowled out for 103 before the Imperials made 9-170 before they declared.
The Centurions will resume at 3-13 in their second innings.
