Westmeadows pulled off one of the more remarkable comebacks to open its account in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
The Warriors were in trouble after day one of their match with Airport West St Christopher’s after a below par batting performance.
After a strong start with the bat, the Eagles needed just 53 for victory on day two.
But a Tallan Wright bowling display destroyed the Eagles chances.
Warriors captain-coach Donovan Pell said it was a pretty special win.
“We spoke about it, we had one of these games three or four years ago against Craigieburn at Craigieburn,” he said.
“The boys who were there spoke about the resemblance to that game and yesterday’s [Saturday] game.
“It was a very good win.”
Having only made 138, the Warriors needed some luck to go their way if they were to get the win.
The Eagles resumed at 3-86 with Pell saying they were still confident of getting the win heading into day two.
“They had a tail that was probably a little bit weaker from previous years with some players out,” he said.
“We knew we had about 60 runs to go. We tried to bowl and not to worry about that and try and get two wickets early to get into the tail.
“We were positive and able to rattle through them.”
Wright in his second game for the Warriors took 5-8 off his seven overs as the Eagles were bowled out for 127.
Pell said Wright was able to swing the ball both ways making it hard for the batters.
The bowling performance came after Wright top scored with 43 on day one.
“I’ve known him for a long time, we went to school together,” Pell said. “I’ve known the ability he holds and it was on show.”
With time still on the clock, the Warriors were sent back in.
Pell said that caught them by surprise and they were in trouble at 6-37 when rain ended the game early.
Pell said they knew the rain was coming and the plan was to bat out the rest of the day.
He said the Eagles bowlers were able to use the wicket well like Wright did.
The win kicks off the Warriors season.
Pell said this would give them plenty of confidence.
“We have a history of winning games off the bat,” he said.
“Adding Tallan to Patty [Pathum De Mel] and Angus [Price] adds another string to our bow that we can run through sides.”
The Warriors this week face last season’s runners-up Yarraville Club.
Meanwhile, Craigieburn’s win over St Albans was even closer with as it held on to win by one run.
Craigieburn was bowled out for 128 on day one, with the Saints finishing with 127.
Joshua Rasu took six wickets for Craigieburn.
Craigieburn was 4-97 in their second innings when the game ended.
Sammy Laffan was unbeaten on 53 not out.
