SPOTSWOOD is well on its way to victory against Keilor Park in Turf Cricket’s North Division after restricting the visitors to 2/83 at Donald McLean Reserve on Saturday.
In a two-day clash that was affected by the extreme heat, the Woodsmen were able to get on top of the Keilor Park order to get the upper hand ahead of the second day’s play this coming weekend.
Captain-coach Andrew Dickinson bowled eight and a half of the 38.3 overs on the day, and despite failing to take a wicket, he was the clear standout for Spotswood.
Dickinson allowed just eight runs and bowled four maidens in his spell, while Ashley Robertson was also very tidy on his way to figures of 1/9 from five overs.
Josh Moore (1/34) was the only other wicket-taker for the Woodsmen on the day.
Meanwhile Laverton’s late-season push to sneak into the top four was brought to a halt on Saturday, with the Magpies restricted to 9/71 on the road against Doutta Stars.
The visitors were left languishing at 3/2 before slowly steadying the ship, but could never get ahead as the Stars’ attack went to task.
Mark Logan (17) and Mark Keenan (11) were the only two Laverton batsmen to hit double figures as the top and middle order collapsed, leaving the Stars a measly target of just 72 in the 45 overs to come this Saturday.
Relegation-threatened Williamstown CYMS also faces an uphill battle this Saturday after only managing to post 6/96 on the road against North Division frontrunner, PEGS.
A hard-fought knock of 45 from opener Paul Russ was the lone standout on the CYs’ batting card as PEGS worked its way through the order.
Play was abandoned after 37 overs, with the PEGS chase to come this weekend.
Eighth-placed Altona North looks to be on track for its third victory after posting 183 at home to Westmeadows.
Four overs into its run chase, Westmeadows is in trouble at 2/6.
