By LIAM TWOMEY
WILLIAMSTOWN claimed back-to-back wins in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association for the first time this season after a hard-fought victory against Mount Waverley on Saturday.
After batting first on day one of the match, the Seagulls set Mount Waverley 240 runs for victory thanks to a well-made half-century from Nathan Hall.
Despite having a big total on the board, the contest remained even when the teams returned to the field for day two.
Williamstown’s wickets were countered by partnerships from the Mount Waverley batsmen as both teams edged their way towards victory.
At 8/209 it looked as though the total would prove too much for the batting side with the remaining runs left up to the tail.
Mount Waverley produced one final push to victory thanks to a ninth wicket stand of 26 runs.
However, the Williamstown bowlers were able to hold their nerve and secured the four-run win for their team.
“It was sensational,” Williamstown captain Craig Sheedy said of the win.
“It was a long day and the game went down to the last over. They needed 25 and I think they got about 20. It was tough cricket.
“The guys were really good on the slow, low wicket. They just bowled good lines all day. It got to a point where they really had to go hard. We were able to hold our nerve, just, and get over the line.”
Saturday’s result continues what has been a great turn-around in form for Williamstown after the Seagulls went winless in the first six rounds of the season.
Since then, Williamstown has beaten Altona, Endeavour Hills and Mount Waverley and climbed from last to 10th on the VSDCA ladder.
“I think the turnaround has been in our batting,” Sheedy said.
“Some guys have got some bigger scores and some other guys have contributed as well rather than it being one or two guys and then the rest fall away.
“We have been able to post good scores and then we have been able to bowl well, which we have done most of the year.
“We have been able to string that together now and hopefully we can win the last three games and then you never know what can happen.”
