By LIAM TWOMEY
ST KILDA handed Footscray just its fourth loss of the Victorian Premier Cricket season on Saturday.
After dominating day one of the clash, the Saints retuned to Mervyn Hughes Oval to inflict more pain on the Bulldogs.
Having won the toss and batted first two weeks ago, Footscray battled its way to 153 before being bowled out in the 53rd over.
The Bulldogs were led by skipper Dean Russ, who made 53 at the top of the order, while Shanuka Dissanayaka contributed 31.
St Kilda went on to face 26 overs and despite the loss of gun Victorian duo Peter Handscomb and Rob Quiney, the Saints remained in the box seat, resuming their innings at 3/57.
Footscray began day two needing quick wickets but the Bulldogs’ bowlers were met with some stiff resistance.
Graeme Rummans and Thomas Moffat worked hard to see off the initial attacks.
The pair added 93 for the fourth wicket before Rummans was run out for 47 by Hamish Winter-Irving.
However, the wicket did nothing to slow the momentum of Moffat who was outstanding all afternoon.
The opening batsman went on to score an unbeaten 123 to lead his side to an easy victory.
After passing the Footscray total, St Kilda eventually called time on its innings with the score at 5/223 in the 89th over.
Jake Haberfield finished the innings with the best bowling figures for Footscray, taking 2/53 while Winter-Irving took 1/32.
The loss sees Footscray finish the year in outright second spot on the Victorian Premier Cricket ladder.
The Bulldogs were eight points behind the Saints who claimed top spot.
From its 18 games, Footscray enjoyed 14 wins, seven more than the 2012/13 season. With finals beginning this weekend, Footscray will take on Carlton at Mervyn Hughes Oval in the qualifying final which will be played on Saturday and Sunday.
In other finals match-ups St Kilda will meet Prahran, Essendon will do battle with Ringwood while Geelong and Melbourne will also square off.
