Tara Murray
Sydenham-Hillside will have to fire with the bat if it is to overcome Aberfeldie in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
After a strong win the previous week against last season’s premiers, the Storm face another big challenge in their first season in the top grade.
Abers had a day out with the bat against the Storm after being sent in.
Abers got off to a strong start and was able to build on it throughout the innings, finishing 7-320 from its 80 overs.
Storm coach Warren Hackney said Aberfeldie made the most of the good conditions.
“The batting conditions were pretty good and we didn’t get the early inroads that we were looking for,” he said.
“They had a couple of players bat well and they got a lot of support. It was a solid batting effort with not a lot of chances.”
Aberfeldie captain Tallan Wright was the star, making 106 off 143 balls.
As the Storm searched for wickets, eight different bowlers were used.
Gayashan Weerasekara was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, but went at more than five runs an over after they went after him.
Hackney said despite needing more than 300 for victory, the group was confident that they could give it a good shake.
“It’s a significant score and it will be a challenge,” he said. Batting is our strength and we’ll hopefully acquit ourselves well and hopefully get the runs.
“This one could go down to the 80th over and hopefully our form in close games holds us in good stead.”
A win would make it three in a row for the Storm to start its time in senior division, including beating reigning premiers Yarraville Club.
Hackney said they were pleased with how the side had taken on the challenge of being in the top grade for the first time.
“It’s tough week in, week out,” he said. “There are no easy games and if you’re slightly off they can take you to task.
“We had first up win against the Druids in a tight game and then Yarraville Club in a tight game, it’s a boost for the confidence.
“Each week is an unknown and a new experience and we’re trying to get on the right end of the win-loss column.”
In the Roy Picone Shield, Caroline Springs is on top against East Keilor.
The Falcons were bowled out for 226 in the 66th over after their tail wagged.
Lucas Blackman and Flynn Rice put on 103 for the final wicket to push the score past 200.
Blackman top scored with 56.
East Keilor will resume at 3-52 on day two. Gavin McCallum has all three wickets.
In the Evans-Clark Shield, Melton South is on top after day one against Bellbridge.
The Royals made just 169, bowled out in the 67th over, but their bowlers put them back on top.
Bellbridge is in trouble at 5-37.
In the Russell Pollock Shield, Melton Centrals are chasing Williamstown Congs 320, while Burnside Springs United has Donnybrook in trouble at 4-66 in reply to 151.
