It was Point Cook that took bragging rights in the local derby in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield on Saturday.
Facing Point Cook Centrals, the Warriors were keen to get back on the winners list after a disappointing performance the round before against Keilor Park.
They were able to produce their best performance of the season so far, to come away with a big win.
Warriors captain-coach Shafraz Mohamed said he didn’t realise how big a match the local rivalry was having only joined the club in the off season.
“It’s the first time I’ve played at their ground,” he said. “It was good to win.
“It meant a lot to the club being a local derby.”
The match was a game of momentum, with the Sharks entering the clash undefeated.
The Warriors batted first and made 9-157 from their overs.
Balakrishnan Jayakumar, who made 48 not out, was the only batter to pass 20 for the Warriors.
“We lost a few wickets at the start,” Mohamed said. “We never let the run rate drop.
“We got momentum back at a crucial point. Off the last 10 overs we were able to get 53 runs.”
Max Pritchard was the pick of the bowlers for the Sharks, taking four wickets.
Mohamed, who scored 16, in a handy late cameo, said when he came off the pitch he would have been happy with 120 runs on the board.
He said to get 150 was really good and it gave them back the momentum which they had lost at the start of the game.
The Warriors seam bowlers were then able to set up the bowling innings up.
The Sharks ended up bowled out for just 80. Brett Talbot top scored with 22 as just three players reached double figures.
“Buddika [Algewatta], Nicholas Peacock, Pavan Wade and Damon Bennett set the game up for the spinners.
“We came on the game was nearly over.”
It was a return to form for Mohamed who took 4-15 off 6.3 overs at the end of the innings.
The Warriors now sit 2-1 after three rounds as do the Sharks.
As a new group, Mohamed said they were happy with the start to the season.
“The Keilor Park game was one of those game that is OK to have early in the season,” he said.
“We got one of those hard days out of the way.
“The squad is good and the boys are up and about we have a really talented side.
“We have four or five youngsters who are 16-17 years old. We have that experience around them and the perfect formula.”
Mohamed said the side was starting to come together nicely and start to gel quicker than he thought it would.
The Warriors now face Moonee Valley in the upcoming round.
Mohamed said they were just focusing on their game and getting everyone to play their role.
