One major slip-up was all it took for Hoppers Crossing to tumble out of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s senior division top four.
The Cats were sunk by bottom-of-the-ladder Greenvale Kangaroos, losing by 76 runs in one of the shock results of the season at Hogans Road Reserve on Saturday.
The visiting Roos were hellbent on causing an upset, posting an imposing 7-206 off 40 overs.
Dinesh Daminda worked hard with the ball for the Cats to take 3-39, and youngster Mitchell Ellis grabbed 2-42, but every dismissal was met with an even stronger reaction from the Roos batsmen.
While the Cats made a solid start to their run chase, with James Grixti (28) and Duleeka Thisakuttige (34) combining for 55 to take the score to 2-69, the wicket of Grixti sparked a massive collapse with his side losing its last nine wickets for 61 to be all out for 130.
Despite its surprising defeat, the Cats are only five points off top spot and have a chance to make some inroads against Airport West-St Christophers for the two-day game starting this Saturday.
West A1
The aura around Wyndhamvale is growing by the game as its time at the top of the ladder marches on.
The Falcons made light work of Sunshine Heights at Wyndhamvale Reserve, winning by nine wickets. The Ford brothers came to the fore, Jonathan snaring 4-16 and captain Andrew scoring 71 not out.
Werribee Centrals remain mired in the relegation zone after a 32-run loss to the resurgent Altona Roosters at their away match at Langshaw Reserve. Chasing 159 for victory, the Centurions stumbled to 6-69 before wicketkeeper Chris Duffin (27) and Chris Hughes (35) put on 52 to give their side a fighting chance. But they would come up short, bowled out for 126 in the scramble for fast, late runs.
West B1
Seabrook claimed its first win since round four, upsetting Kingsville Baptists by 35 runs at Bruce Comben Reserve. The Saints got on the front foot, posting 6-152 in 40 overs on the back of 46 to skipper Leigh Edwards.
Their bowlers got the job done, too, routing Kingsville for 117, with Mitchell Haberecht (3-27) and Bernard O’Dwyer (3-24) doing the main damage.
