Sydenham-Hillside took the opportunity to secure first innings points on day one of its Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior match with Altona North.
After a strong bowling performance in the opening round of the season, the Storm backed it up with another on Saturday.
The Storm was able to restrict Altona North to just 125.
Storm coach Anthony Alleyne said they had started the season well with the ball.
“It was good to get some points on the first day,” he said.
“We bowled well which was a plus as well. We bowled well last weekend as well … we didn’t give them a lot and did the basics really well.
“Yesterday [Saturday], I think we were a bit patient when we needed to be. It was a decent pitch and we bowled in good areas.”
Alleyne said they got on top early against Altona North with some quick wickets in the middle order really setting them up.
It’s the first time the sides have faced each other in a number of years, with Altona North coming into the top grade this season.
“We treat everyone with respect and play everyone hard,” he said. “There are no easy games.”
Alleyne was the pick of the bowlers for the Storm taking 5-30 off his 13 overs, while Sanka Ramesh Abeyeruwan took four wickets.
Alleyne said they wanted to go out and bat in their normal fashion, which then presented the opportunity look at getting first innings points late on day one.
“The game set itself up,” he said.
“We look to score quickly. The last couple of overs we just went from it and had a crack.”
The Storm will resume at 3-129. Gayashan Weerasekara is 28 not out and Cameron Harding is 23 not out and will resume on day two.
Alleyne said they would assess the conditions on day two and then format a plan on whether they look at an outright win.
He said with the Melbourne weather it’s always good to have the points locked away.
“We’ll turn up positive and see if it is possible and then look at going for it.”
Meanwhile in the Roy Picone Shield, Caroline Springs is on top against East Keilor.
After being sent in, the Falcons made 9-343 from their 40 overs.
Gurpreet Suri scored his first 100 for the club, making 110 having been involved in an 138-run opening stand with Farrukh Shahzad.
In the Russell Pollock Shield, Burnside Springs United is on top of Glenroy.
After being bowled out for 199, Burnside has Glenroy, 5-63.
Melton Centrals has already conceded first innings points against Moonee Ponds.
Centrals were bowled out for just 48, with Moonee Ponds finishing day one at 6-169.
In the VTCA women’s competition, Sydenham-Hillside lost to POint Cook, while the combined Caroline-Burnside Springs side lost to Coburg.
