After struggling with injuries in the lead-up to Christmas, Plenty Valley is primed for a tilt at top spot in Sub-District cricket’s north-west division.
After going through 2013-14’s regular season unbeaten, this time around the Bats lost two games within three weeks, placing them third on the ladder.
Their fortunes have changed for the better. After not getting on the park last week because of rain, the Bats came out firing in their two-day clash against Sunshine at the weekend.
“It was our third clean sweep in a row and we had a well and truly comfortable win in the seniors,” captain-coach Michael Sheedy said.
“We made 250 and got them out for a reasonable score [137] so there are plenty of good signs.
“After not playing last week and having a couple of good weeks on the track they were chomping at the bit.”
Sheedy top-scored with 126 in the Bats’ imposing 7-256.
“It was good to be able to contribute especially on a tough wicket after we were sent in,” he said.
Sheedy said the return of Justin Jaensch was massive for the side and he would be joined by other regulars next week.
“Justin took four wickets and he has been out for six weeks,” he said.
“We had three or four players back in this week and we’ll have another three back into the ones and twos next week.”
The Bats now sit second on the ladder.
“We have to play Melton [which is top] on the run home, so finishing top is in our own hands,” Sheedy said.
The weekend wasn’t as kind to ladder leaders Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows, who lost to Yarraville.
A return of the batting woes which marred the side early in the season saw the Falcons all out for 104.
Simpson Obed top scored with 27, while Adam Yates was the only other batsman to pass 20.
Yarraville closed at 0-54 on day one. Day 2 on Sunday was the Matthew Love show as he scored his third century of the season as Yarraville finished on 4-273.
In turf cricket’s senior division, Tullamarine and Greenvale Kangaroos pulled off surprise wins against St Bernards and Hoppers Crossing respectively.
