BY MICHAEL ESPOSITO
WERRIBEE’S Victorian Sub-District Cricket squad focused heavily on batting in the off-season, and the first XI will get the first opportunity this Saturday to show its wares at the crease.
On the opening day of the first round on Saturday, Werribee dismissed Balwyn for a competitive 209. Brad Hatton, who has come to the club from North West Metro Cricket Association side Sydenham/Hillside, took 5/22 in an ultra-impressive display, while medium pacer Jonathon Burton was superb with four wickets.
Codey Moran took the important wicket of Nicholas Hailey (45).
Werribee coach Travis Bean said Burton was ready to make his mark on the first XI competition this season after playing a handful of first XI games last year.
Middle-order batsmen Kyle Andrews is another young player Bean is hoping will step up this season, but all eyes will be on new opening batsmen Shaun Dean, who has come to the club from Premier league cricket side Footscray Edgewater.
Dean came through the junior system at Werribee and has previously played first XI cricket with the club. The need to stay at the crease for extended periods was identified as an area that was lacking last year, but the ability to close out games out with the ball was also in need of improvement.
“Because we had those few games last year, where we were beaten in the last one or two overs, we’ve been focusing on accuracy with the bowling and containing batsmen” Bean said.
