By LIAM TWOMEY
ALTONA has qualified for the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association finals after a brilliant victory against Endeavour Hills.
Going into the final round of the season, the A’s were out of the top six on percentage and needed to secure a victory and hope other results went their way to extend their season.
Following on from his brilliant year, Aaron Maynard stepped up, smashing 113 in the A’s run chase to keep his club’s season alive.
However, rewind to the start of the day and after losing the toss and being forced to bowl first, it looked as though it was going to be a tough ask for Altona as Endeavour Hills piled on the runs.
Led by Matthew Hutchinson and Richard Saniga, Endeavour Hills blasted its way to 8/212 after 45 overs.
For Altona, Lee Elmore was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/35 while James Grubb was also solid on his way to two wickets.
In reply, the A’s run chase got off to a tough start when Matthew Davis was dismissed without scoring.
The wicket brought Maynard to the crease as he launched a fightback.
The gun batsman blasted his way to 113 in a stunning innings.
Maynard’s knock lifted Altona to 7/213 in the 42nd over and secured the victory by three wickets.
Before they could celebrate, the A’s had to wait for the result of the Roxburgh Park/ Broadmeadows and Yarraville match.
Altona’s cross town rival, Yarraville, did its bit for cricket in the Western Suburbs, defeating Roxburgh Park to open a clear path for the A’s into the post season.
Altona will now take on Werribee in the first round of finals, which will be played over Saturday and Sunday this weekend.
The two sides last met in round two and on that occasion it was Werribee that came out on top, winning by 55 runs.
In other finals’ match ups, Bayswater will take on Box Hill while Oakleigh will meet Noble Park.
