Bowlers beware. Star Werribee batsman Tim O’Brien is hitting his straps in the run-up to Christmas.
O’Brien blasted a magnificent 127 in the Tigers’ massive 6-341 against Preston in the Victorian Sub-District match at Preston City Oval on Saturday.
After a relatively slow start to the season with 25, 1 and 20 in his first three digs, O’Brien has made 48 not out and a century in his last two outings to signal that he’s back to his best form.
Last summer, the No.4 batsman accumulated 525 runs, including two tons, at 52, while the season before he made 739 at 73 to be one of the cornerstones of a side that went all the way to the grand final.
If the Tigers want to make waves in this competition, they’ll need O’Brien at his best, and he’s starting to get into his groove.
It took a team effort from the Tigers to compile what should be a match-winning score.
Opener Matt Dean continued his sizzling start with 72.
Contributions came from middle-order batsmen James Freeman (40no), Heath Pritchard (33no) and captain Shaun Dean (26).
The Tigers are preparing for a busy weekend, with the second day of the clash with Preston on Saturday, followed by their first ‘Movember’ charity Twenty20 game against Hoppers Crossing.
November is when men grow moustaches to raise awareness of men’s health issues, including encouraging regular medical checks, early cancer detection and adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Werribee and Hoppers Crossing plan to make it an annual event with the home venues alternating.
The inaugural contest will take place at Werribee’s Chirnside Park on Sunday, with an under-21 game at 11am followed by the Movember Challenge at 2pm.
There will be a barbecue and raffle, with all proceeds going to the Movember Foundation.
Hoppers Crossing president Greg Mitchell told Star Weekly there would be one rule for the players who run out on Sunday.
“In the main game, it’s a requirement that you grow a mo, whether it’s good or bad,” he said.
“It might be a bit hard to grow a mo for some of the under-21s, though.
“In the past few years the club has had members participate in Movember and do some fundraising, and I think it’s a great idea.”
Hoppers Crossing (8-236 dec) has barged its way into the VTCA senior division top five with a stunning outright win over Tullamarine (132 and 52) at Hogans Road Reserve.
Skipper Greg Kennedy was chief destroyer for the Cats, with a haul of nine wickets for the match.
In west A1, Wyndhamvale (142 and 4-71) remains undefeated after surviving a scare against Altona Roosters (132 and 3-162 dec) at Langshaw Reserve.
Adam Moscatiello’s 47 was crucial in the Falcons’ shaky run chase for first-innings points.
Werribee Centrals (115) is still searching for its first win of the season after becoming the latest victim of top-of-the-ladder Williamstown CYMS (223 and 7-93) at Galvin Park.
Point Cook (109) had a round to forget, losing by 194 runs to Sunshine Heights (303) at Ainsworth Reserve.
