TWO finals-type wins have propelled Hoppers Crossing into an equal share of top spot in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
The Cats have a chance of moving into outright first place as early as next round when they meet Greenvale, the top flight’s only other undefeated team, at Greenvale Recreation Reserve.
They head into the blockbuster with a full head of steam after rolling powerhouse Spotswood by a big margin at Hogans Road Oval on Saturday.
“It was a game we were concerned about because Spotty are a pretty good side,” Cats president Steve McNamara told the Weekly.
“It went to plan from the outset and we couldn’t be more pleased with the result.”
It was a match which underlined the Cats’ strength in all departments.
Top-order batsman Michael Tubb owned the opening day with 139 not out in the home side’s 9-254 declared.
Tubb went to the crease with the Cats in strife at 2-0 and anchored the innings.
His maiden first XI century was a long time coming after two tons in the seconds, but it was well worth the wait.
“I couldn’t be more happy for ‘Tubby’ because he’s worked really hard and deserves it,” McNamara said.
“He’s been threatening to get a ones 100 for a while.
“He got a 90-odd last year, which I think we burnt him on, in a game against CYs where we wanted to chase quick runs after tea and instructed him to go the belt, and it probably cost him his 100.”
The message for Spotswood was loud and clear entering day two.
Occupy the crease without a blemish in the first session and a bit and then cash in.
But the message must not have filtered through to the top order as they slumped to 5-45.
Or, was it just that Cats opening bowler Tawalampolage Darshanapriya, who took 5-28 off 15 overs, was in a menacing mood with ball in hand?
“He just looks a class above,” McNamara said.
“He swings it both ways and cuts it off the wicket. He’s very unpredictable.”
The Woodsmen staged a middle-order fightback through Khalid Sawas (88) and Michael Knight (16).
The pair put on 74 for the sixth wicket before running into left arm orthodox spinner Asif Jan.
Jan removed both batsmen en route to 4-23 off 16 overs.
“He bowls quick overs,” McNamara said.
“That puts pressure on the batsmen because they’re rushed into having to prepare themselves.”
The Cats won on the first innings by 86 runs.
VTCA
Senior division: Hoppers Crossing 9-254dec (M Tubb 139no, C Nicol 46) and 5-89 (M Tubb 25) d Spotswood 168 (TD Darshanapriya 5-28
A Jan 4-23)
