Wyndhamvale’s first trip to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association west B1 finals turned into an unmitigated disaster.
The Falcons were left red faced after being bowled out for 21 in the semi-final by minor premiers Sunshine Heights at Ainsworth Reserve at the weekend.
The Heights went on to win the game outright and set up a grand final date with local rivals Sunshine United.
Falcons captain Andrew Ford told the
Weekly batting had been his side’s Achilles heel this summer, but not even in his
worst nightmares did he think it could get this bad.
“We’ve been struggling all year with the bat really and I suppose in a way it has been coming … but 21, that surprised most of us to be honest,” he said. “That 21 is going to stay with all of us for a while. It’s galling.
“We just lacked a bit of intent; we were a bit nervous waiting for things to happen and we blinked first and they got in and rolled us.”
To their credit, the Falcons fought out the game, but it was only ever going to be for pride after their batting howler.
They had the Heights in a spot of bother at 6-56 before the favourites steadied to post 118 and virtually bat them out of the game.
The Fords – Andrew (44) and Jonathan (20) – and Stuart Crowe (19) led the way second time around for the Falcons. Their second dig (108) was a little more respectable than the first, but Heights ticked off the few runs needed for the outright, making 1-14.
Take the semi-final out of the equation and the Falcons’ first campaign in the new competition since crossing from the Williamstown and District Cricket Association left a good first impression. Ford said it was a steep learning curve but one that would hold the team in good stead.
“This year was a look and see,” he said. “Next year, we need to get cracking, you can’t live off winning the flag last year or potential. Everyone is keen. We’ll keep the same group of players and there will be more ins than outs.”
