Hoppers Crossing was on a hiding to nothing on Saturday.
An away clash with Yarraville Club is one of the toughest fixtures a side has to confront in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division, and that is without the whole host of intangibles that made the Cats’ task even tougher.
The Clubbers, premiers in four of the last five seasons, were on the rebound, fired up after a disappointing start to the season that saw them with a mere tie and a loss.
They had also ousted player-coach Justin Baker during the week in what is believed to have been a player-driven decision.
Then, when the Cats get to the toss, the coin falls the wrong way for skipper Darrel Brown so they have to field on a lightning-fast outfield and bowl on a flat deck against one of the great batting line-ups of the modern era in the competition.
Look away now if you get queasy.
The Cats conceded a whopping 6-383 in 80 overs with Andrew Cullen blasting 160 and Aaron Mato carving out 102.
“They had some turmoil during the week and I said to Browny this morning, ‘Beware of the wounded tiger because they will be coming out really hard’,” Cats president Steve McNamara said.
“They had a pretty ordinary result last week and they’re a proud club and wouldn’t tolerate results like that.
“They really steeled themselves to have a big day. It’s a mammoth total to be chasing down.”
On such a day, teams have to take every chance that comes their way – even the half chances.
Yet Cullen was dropped on two and made the Cats pay by scoring 158 more.
Cullen and Mato combined for a 223-run third wicket partnership.
“Cullen got dropped on two, albeit a pretty tough chance,” McNamara said. “If you don’t take them, that’s what happens.”
The Cats are hoping to give the Clubbers a dose of their own medicine when day two commences on Saturday.
“We’ve got guys there that are capable of making big scores,” McNamara said. “It’s important for us to get away to a good start.”
