Entering day two of its clash with Brunswick, Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows must have thought the same old batting demons had returned to haunt them again.
After bowling out Brunswick for 108 in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s north-west division, the Falcons entered the run chase full of confidence they could start the season with a win at A G Gillon Oval.
Instead, the Falcons found themselves 6-65 at stumps on day one of the two-day clash.
PICTURE GALLERY: Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows v Brunswick
“It was difficult not to think the batting woes had continued,” captain-coach Mitch Johnstone said.
“We were nervous during the week, but knew we had a few all-rounders in the side and that if we could get one decent partnership we’d get across the line.”
Johnstone got his wish as the Falcons reached 177 on day two, getting the six points in the process.
Brunswick was 7-122 in its second innings.
“We did it pretty easily in the end,” Johnstone said.
“The pitch was difficult on the first day and got worse as the day went on.
“We were just happy to get the six points in the end.”
Kurtley Brant was the hero with the bat for the Falcons, making 48.
“Hopefully, this could be the making of Kurtley,” Johnstone said.
“He’s only 19 and he played an important role in getting the win.”
Simpson Obed gave good support with 37, while Johnstone got four wickets in each innings to be best of the bowlers.
Johnstone said that despite the batting heroics late in the order, the team still had a lot of work to do.
“We applied ourselves quite well, but we need to get at least two big partnerships in each game.
“We tend to get small partnerships and we need to take the next step.
“It’s predominately a bowling competition, so getting the runs on the board is important.”
Plenty Valley also got a first-up win against Yarraville.
After making 8-275 on day one, it was time for the Bats’ bowlers to do the job on Saturday.
Led by Justin Jaensch, who took four wickets, the Bats didn’t allow Yarraville to establish any major partnership and the visitors were bowled out for 168 in the 55th over.
In round two, Plenty Valley faces Balwyn in a two-dayer, while Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows faces Preston at home.
