By Lance Jenkinson
Werribee has won the battle of Wyndham to stay on track for a top-two finish in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west group.
The Tigers roared to a 72-run win over Hoppers Crossing in their last home game of the season at Chirnside Park on Saturday.
Tigers captain Tim O’Brien spoke of how crucial the victory was.
“It’s pretty important … especially considering we’re not playing a home final this season,” he said.
“If you can get into the top two, you give yourself a chance to go through to a semi at least and we’re working towards that.”
It was always going to be a monumental task for the visitors after Werribee posted 7-294 off 80 overs on day one.
Matt Dean’s knock of 103 put the Tigers firmly in control.
Still, Werribee had to bowl well to defend the total.
“The pitch conditions were pretty similar to last week,” O’Brien said. “It wasn’t as hot, but it was very windy and it was tough bowling conditions. They batted really well before tea.”
Hoppers Crossing’s top order fired to make for an interesting second day.
After Cameron Nicol was removed for 19, Jack Rhodes (65) and Adrian Myers combined for a 76-run second wicket partnership.
When Myers was removed before tea with the score at 2-109, O’Brien could sense a shift in momentum.
“They were going at a good run rate, but we knew we were only a couple of wickets away from getting on top,” he said.
“Getting that wicket before tea was pretty important and we were able to strike a couple more wickets after tea.
“We bowled pretty tight after tea and the run rate required started to climb.
“Then we got Rhodes and we started to get a few wickets in a row after that.”
Photo Gallery: Werribee vs Hoppers Crossing
It was an uphill task for Hoppers Crossing from there.
The Cats made a dent in the target through Trent Said (19), Nick Keast (22) and Brett Smith (30), but not enough to cause Werribee too much concern.
The Cats were bowled out for 222.
Werribee’s bowlers stuck to their task all day. James Freeman was the main weapon with 4-74 off 18 overs.
“‘Jim was our impact bowler,” O’Brien said. “We encourage him to attack to get wickets and he was able to do that.”
Just as important was the containing role of Brad Apps into the wind. He finished with a tight 2-34 off 18 overs.
Mick Kelly was the pick of the spinners with 3-64 off 18, including some tough overs into the wind, while Rhys Dodemaide relished his chance in the ones, snaring 1-33 off 15.
Werribee will hit the road for a tricky game against second-bottom Moorabbin, which is in form with two wins on the trot.
Hoppers Crossing will be out to snap a two-game losing streak at home against Oakleigh.
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