Werribee is well and truly in the hunt for a quarter-final berth after week one of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s under-15 JC Craig Shield representative tournament.
The Tigers claimed three wins from four matches to end the week in second position on the west group ladder.
The top two clubs from each of the four groups will advance to the finals.
The Tigers’ only loss came to undefeated ladder leader Roxburgh Park by five runs in a nailbiting second-round clash.
Roxburgh Park’s 111 was due largely to a lone hand of 74 not out from Ethan McShanag.
Despite a strong all-round game from Daniel Ketchley, which included 2-10 off nine overs and 23 runs, the Tigers fell short – dismissed for 106 – and, in hindsight, they coughed up top spot in the first week.
The Tigers enjoyed comfortable wins over Altona, Melton and Sunshine.
They got their tournament off to a flying start against Altona. Werribee compiled 8-186 on the back of 55 to Alexander Alabakis and 45 to Lachlan Caithness, before holding Altona to 9-123, with Jack Waugh taking three wickets.
On day three, Werribee was set 110 for the points against Melton and passed the target with four wickets in hand. Alabakis, with 35, and Ketchley, with 3-30 from nine overs, were again stand-outs for the Tigers.
Werribee pounded Sunshine by eight wickets. Ketchley took a hat-trick for figures of 3-12 and finished the week with nine wickets at 7.6. Alabakis hit 58 not out and featured in solid partnerships with Waugh (21) and wicketkeeper Darcy Phillips (23no).
The Tigers have two tough games against finals hopefuls to round out the group stage – Williamstown at Chirnside Park today (Wednesday), followed by a visit to third-placed Yarraville tomorrow.
