By LIAM TWOMEY
WERRIBEE claimed the battle of the West and the six points after a victory against Williamstown in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association on Saturday.
The two rivals squared off at Chirnside Park for day two of their clash, with Werribee resuming in the box seat.
On day one, the Tigers posted 9/238 on the back of a classy 106 from Tim O’Brien and scores of 40 from Michael Freeman and 31 from David Wolfe.
Needing 239 against one of the league’s strongest bowling attacks looked like a tough task on paper and it was made even harder after an early double strike.
Williamstown lost openers Nathan Bratby and Nathan Hall in quick succession to be 2/7.
However, after suffering a number of batting collapses in the first half of the season, it was a much stronger showing from the Seagulls’ middle order that kept them in the hunt.
Craig Sheedy (29), Matthew Dervan (17), Brenton Hodges (28), Jonty Paulsen (33), Matthew Inness (17), Jordan Doyle (41) and Samuel Davis (17) all kept the scoreboard ticking over.
The only thing missing was one big score to match what O’Brien was able to produce for the Tigers.
With that lacking, Werribee remained in charge, claiming the final wicket in the 59th over with the score on 192.
Heath Pritchard continued his outstanding season with the ball, taking 5/38 from 16.4 overs.
It is the fourth five wicket haul for Pritchard this season.
“It is always a good game with Williamstown and that Western Suburbs rivalry,” Werribee president Ivo Havard said.
“We weren’t at our very best. There was some tacky fielding and some catches went down but we were able to get over them.
“There were some really good signs. Heath again was very good and I think that is his third five wicket haul at Chirnside Park.
“He has brought great experience to the group and for him to have 30 wickets for the season is an absolute bonus. He has also brought a great work ethic to the group to demonstrate how you go about playing tough and competitive cricket.”
The result maintains Werribee’s unbeaten run in the VSDCA with the Tigers a perfect 11-0.
Williamstown are in 10th spot on the ladder with three wins for the season.
When round 12 gets underway this weekend, Werribee will meet Oakleigh while Williamstown will take on Sunshine.
Also this Saturday, Werribee will be hosting its Pink Stump Day for the McGrath Foundation at Chirnside Park.
