By Luke D’Anello
KEILOR coach Nigel Freebairn is optimistic his team can complete its second victory of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association (VTCA) senior division season next Saturday, despite a below-par performance with the bat on day one.
Keilor posted 166 against McKinnon after winning the toss on its home turf, with captain Matt Willmott (50) the stand-out.
Other contributions came from English import Robert Cook (29), opener Liam Ryan (27) and number nine Lee Just (23).
But in the end, the total was underwhelming. It was also just the second time this season that Keilor has passed the 150 mark.
McKinnon faced 11 overs before stumps and, aided by a dropped chance in the slips, progressed to 0/15.
“We were probably about 50 runs short we thought. It was disappointing, and we lost some crucial wickets at crucial times,” Freebairn said of the batting effort.
“The bowlers have been the guys contributing and holding up their end. The theme for the season has been that the batsmen haven’t been making big enough scores, but I’m reasonably happy with the performance of the bowlers.
“Even with the four guys who got starts, we really needed one of them to go on and get a big score. But it just didn’t happen for us.
“We may be 50 short, but Chris Lee showed some promising signs in his five-over spell on Saturday. He’s been bowling nicely, but he just hasn’t been getting the support in the slips cordon that he’d like.
“We’re hopeful we can defend that total at home, but we’ll certainly need to be right on the job early with the ball.”
Lee will be Keilor’s go-to man on day two. The former Footscray Edgewater player has 11 wickets at an average 15.5 this season and has been a model of consistency in recent fixtures.
Meanwhile, in other round seven games, Yarraville holds the advantage against Williamstown CYMS after the opening day’s play.
The Clubbers hit 300 after the coin fell their way, with a sparkling century from Viv Ion (105) the highlight. He was ably supported by Michael O’Keefe (72) and opener Justin Baker (58).
The CYs had just two overs to negotiate before stumps, but finished at 1/4, with Steven Oosterhof claiming the breakthrough.
Elsewhere, Spotswood was rolled for just 69 against Bentleigh after winning the toss and electing to bat.
Bentleigh then posted a swift 211 in reply, with Mark Turner (6/93) the best of the Spotswood bowlers.
Spotswood was then reduced to 1/11 in its second innings and has a mountain to climb on day two to avoid outright defeat.
In North Division matches, Keilor Park (147) is struggling against Strathmore (1/49), while Sunshine United (0/3) has a difficult run chase against Westmeadows (202).
Hoppers Crossing posted an imposing 6/224 against Sunshine Druids, while Werribee Centrals (106) will need to produce its best bowling performance of the season to overcome Moonee Valley (0/6).
And Altona North (1/23) is in a strong position in its clash against Doutta Stars (159).
