There will be a few nervous Westmeadows players this week.
The Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s north-west A1 ladder-leading side needs 11 runs on day two of the match against St Francis de Sales to claim first-innings points.
In theory that sounds easy.
But with only one wicket left, any mistake could be disastrous for the Warriors.
Day one was one clearly for the bowlers. Nineteen wickets fell, with neither side able to gain ascendency with the bat.
Early in the day, the Warriors made the most of a pitch that favoured the bowlers, with assistant coach Tarique Jeffrey saying they were more than happy.
The Warriors bowled St Francis de Sales out for just 97.
“There was some juice in the wicket, so it wasn’t ideal conditions to bat,” he said.
“We had the better of the conditions. We were absolutely happy with what we bowled them out for.”
Skipper Chanaka Welegedara took four wickets, with Jeffrey taking 3-4.
The Warriors were after a good beginning with the bat, but instead got off to the worst possible start.
“We lost two wickets in the first couple of overs,” Jeffrey said. “We collapsed then had a partnership in the middle of the innings, before losing more wickets.
“It’s a difficult total and credit to them sticking to their plans to get back into the game. It’s a 50-50 game now.”
The Warriors will resume at 9-87 with Sathpath Kamburugamuwa and No.11 Jarryd Ellis at the crease.
First-innings points aren’t the only things that will be of interest on day two, with there being the possibility of both sides batting again looking for an outright victory.
Every point is vital in the run home, with both sides looking to claim a top-two spot.
Adding to the importance of the match, third placed-Craigieburn has already claimed first innings points in its match against Kingsville.
“With a full day’s play left it is quite interesting,” Jeffrey said.
“We can’t take it easy in any of matches and have to stick to our gameplan and stay positive.
“We have the ability to finish top two – we just need to execute in the middle.”
Craigieburn will be looking for quick wickets as it hunts an outright victory against Kingsville.
The Eagles made 174 in their first innings before bowling Kingsville out for just 46.
Sikander Sharma took 5-4, including a hat trick.
The Eagles had no hesitation in sending Kingsville back in. Kingsville will resume at 0-1.
In north A1, Roxburgh Park made 206 against Sunshine. The Crows will resume at 0-5.
Jacana made 222 against Barkley Street Uniting. Uniting started its innings well, making 0-45 before stumps.
