By Tara Murray
Wyndham Vale is hoping to finish a tough Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield on a high.
The Vales started the season in strong form but have been on the end of some big losses as the season has progressed.
Vales coach Liam McLaughlin said it hadn’t been the season they were after.
“We started off quite well,” he said. “We had some unavailabilities and we haven’t been able to get the right team on the park and we had some really heavy losses.
‘It got to a stage it was left to a couple of the same guys to pick up the slack at some points.
“It hasn’t been easy since Christmas.”
McLaughlin said everyone was still keen and eager to play and they were still having good numbers at training.
He said they should have everyone available for the final few weeks of the season.
“Everyone is keen to finish the season on a high,” he said. “We have a young group that is still enthusiastic, which has been nice.”
McLaughlin said the absences had allowed some other players to step up, with some taking their opportunities.
The Vales are hoping they can taste victory this weekend against Williamstown Congs.
Both sides have struggled this season, with McLaughlin saying they identified it as one match they thought they could win. They faces Jacana which has won just one match in the final round.
After day one, the Congs are 8-201.
“We were off for 45 minutes with a bit of a shower,” McLaughlin said.
‘It was a difficult day for cricket with a heavy tornado coming through as well. Our fielding let us down, they should have been 60-70 less.
“It’s a quick wicket, there’s no reason why we can’t chase down the runs.”
Jake Rippon took three wickets for the Vales.
While it’s been a tough season for the first XI, the rest of the Vales sides are either in the top four or just outside the top four which has been a real positive.
Meanwhile in the Roy Picone Shield, Point Cook had a tough day out against Caroline Springs having already conceded first innings points.
The Warriors were bowled out for just 61 in the 44th over.
Captain David Hicks top scored with 18 as just two players scored double figures.
The Falcons will resume at 3-84.
Point Cook Centrals would be happy after day one of its match with Sunshine Heights.
The Sharks decided to bowl and had Sunshine Heights in trouble at 9-100 when the match was halted after 51 overs.
In the Evans-Clark Shield, there were plenty of wickets falling between Werribee Centrals and St Andrew’s Footscray.
It wasn’t easy for St Andrew’s either with the bat, finishing the day at 4-45.
Bellbridge was 3-77 after 26.2 overs against Roxburgh Park. Chris Henry will result at 49 not out.
