Plenty Valley took a more positive mindset into its Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west match with Ivanhoe – and it paid off in spades.
Coming off the back of two losses, the Bats entered the match with a finals spot on the line and under more pressure than they had faced in recent years.
The Bats put together a well-timed performance, with all involved contributing to getting the side into a strong position.
Skipper James Dickinson said in the lead-up to the game the players spoke about getting their batting approach back on track.
“We tried not to get tied down and take more initiative and put it back on the bowlers more than we had the last few weeks,” he said.
“We’ve got guys who can play their shots and they did that yesterday.”
The Bats produced their most even batting performance of the season, making 9-306 off their overs with a spread of contributors.
Dickinson top-scored with 66 and Daniel Heatley made 60, as nine of the 11 players reached double figures. Dickinson said it was about making sure they got the timing of the innings right.
“Everyone played their role,” he said. “The top order batted time and made sure they minimised the loss of wickets, which allowed the lower order to hit out a bit more in the second half of the innings.”
Sanjeet Ajgaonkar’s debut for the Bats on Saturday was a proud moment for the club.
Ajgaonkar started at the club in Milo cricket and has progressed through the ranks to the top side.
Dickinson said he was a pleasure to have around the senior side.
“He loves his cricket and has fitted in so well,” he said.
“He didn’t make many runs, but he acquitted himself well while he was out there.”
Despite having 300 on the board, the Bats won’t be taking it easy, having lost from a similar position two rounds ago.
Dickinson said they would look to target Ivanhoe’s better players and hope to get early wickets.
A win this week would go a long way to sealing the Bats finals spot.
Currently sitting fifth, they are one of six teams separated by six points with two rounds remaining.
“Hopefully, we win this one, and then win the next one and take some good form into finals,” Dickinson said.
In Victorian Women’s Premier Cricket, the Bats had a thrilling win against Prahran.
Returning to the one-day format for the first time since November, the Bats held their nerve late to get the victory.
The Bats made 6-196 with Providence Cowdrill starring in her first one-day game for the Bats. She made 78 not out at the top of the order.
Prahran looked in trouble at 5-96 and then again at 9-171. It continued to fight until the last over but fell short at 9-191.
Kiara Jones and Jane Riley took two wickets each for the Bats.
The win is the Bats’ first of the one-day competition. They sit in fifth spot after seven rounds.
The Bats will face Essendon at Maribyrnong Park on Sunday.
