WILLIAMSTOWN Congs claimed an emphatic victory over Bellbridge in the Williamstown and District Cricket Association on Saturday.
WILLIAMSTOWN Congs claimed an emphatic victory over Bellbridge on Saturday.
After day one of the Williamstown and District Cricket Association A-Turf clash at Mossfield Reserve last week, the home side was in a dire predicament at 6-40 after 21 overs in response to the Congs’ 127.
Congs opener Matthew Leach (62) once again dominated the innings, blasting his way to his third half-century in five matches in a knock that comprised seven fours.
Mark Crosswell (5-26) delivered his best bowling performance this season for Bellbridge, while Patrick Lee (3-28) chipped in with his third three-wicket haul this summer.
Bellbridge should have been confident of chasing down a reasonably low total in the first two-day match after Christmas after strong batting performances in previous fixtures.
But the Congs rolled Bellbridge early on day two.
The lower order added only 15 runs in 13 overs to give the Congs a lead of 76 runs.
In the second innings, the Congs showed the intent of a team chasing an outright win, which could have seen them move into third depending on the result of the Williamstown Colts-Caroline Springs fixture.
But Bellbridge captain Andrew Wilks (3-21) had other ideas, knocking the top of off-stump twice to dismiss wicketkeeper Kane Colgan (1) and Nicholas Callas (0).
Jordan Marsden (19 not out) and captain Darren Murcott (14 not out) retreated back into their shells and knocked the ball around the park with less aggression.
In an innings lasting 25 overs, the Congs made it to 3-51 before Murcott and Wilks agreed to call off the rest of the game at tea.
Murcott said that he was pleased to grab first innings points, with the Congs replacing Bellbridge in fourth spot on the ladder.
I think the form we’re in at the moment and the way we’re playing cricket, we’re a big chance to win the next two games,” Murcott said. “For us to make finals we’ve got to beat those two teams so it’s going to be a good challenge for us if we make finals.
Meanwhile, sixth-placed Gellibrand (7-255) produced the shock of the round by hammering ladder-leader Melton Centrals (122).
Williamstown Colts (9-165dec and 6-148dec) were too strong for Caroline Springs (151 and 103), while Grand United (9-257) grabbed a convincing win over Melton South PSCC (126 and 3-49).
Source: Herald Sun
