Max Hatzoglou and Tara Murray
Sydenham-Hillside responded from a heartbreaking exit in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 finals, with victory against West Newport on Saturday.
The ladder leaders in the division 2 competition, the Storm had no issues against West Newport on Saturday.
The Storm made 9-163 from their overs, with Gayashan Weerasekara finishing with 69 not out.
The Storm were able to restrict West Newport, which was bowled out for 94. Andrew Reid-Dick took three wickets for the Storm.
It comes after the storm, were knocked out of the T20 competition on Tuesday night, in a a super over loss.
Speaking before Saturday’s match, Storm coach Geoff Pretty said the key to success this season is to have an aim and strong mindset.
“I think it’s always to have an aim,” Pretty said.
“Everyone has an ability. It’s how you harness that ability and how your mindset works.
“Cricket’s very much a mindset game, attitude and approach, discipline.”
The message has been clear for them this season.
“Do the basics better than everyone else has been my message,” he said.
“And if you do the basics well in cricket you generally come out on top.”
Sydenham-Hillside will strive to capitalise on their successful season so far, understanding that there is some strong competition around.
“You are always looking to try and win a premiership and that will certainly be something we are aiming at but you don’t get too far ahead of yourself,” Pretty said.
“There will be some stiff competition out there.
“We will go to the typical coast line and play it week by week.”
The Storm will this week face Keilor Park. The top four in division 2 is already set, with the Storm, Newport-Digman, Greenvale Kangaroos and Williamstown CYMS, but the order can be changed.
In division 4, Caroline Springs defeated Seabrook.
The Falcons made 7-169 from their overs before bowling out Seabrook for 105.
The Falcons sit second on the ladder.
Melton Centrals lost to Maribyrnong Park St Marys. St Marys made 4-172 Max Gallagher top scored with 73 not out.
It was all single wicket takers for Centrals.
Centrals were bowled out for 137.
Kieran Bensley top scored with 39. Centrals remain without a win.
In division 5, Melton South Royals suffered a rare loss against Footscray Angliss.
The Royals were bowled out for 137 in the last over.
Leigh Edwards top scored with 37.
Footscray Angliss got the runs with four balls remaining, finishing 7-141. Dilan Liyanage was the best of the bowlers with three wickets.
The Royals still remain on top of the ladder.
In the women’s competition, Caroline Springs is through to the grand final after beating Glenroy-St Andrews PV.
The Falcons restricted Glenroy to 8-70 from its 20 overs.
Tiana Baba took three wickets for the Falcons.
The Falcons made the runs with ease, finishing 2-73.
Myyen Au top scored with 28 not out.
The Falcons will play Westmeadows in the grand final on Sunday.
