West Newport took the points on day one of the WDCA grand final but there is still a long way to go. 78372 Picture: EMILY LANE
By LIAM TWOMEY
AFTER a near perfect season, Williamstown Imperials are in danger of falling at the final hurdle after week one of the Williamstown and District Cricket Association grand final.
Taking on West Newport in the biggest game of the season, the Imperials are 86 runs behind on the first innings with the Maroon and Gold still with one wicket in hand.
After all play in the semi-finals was washed out players were greeted with perfect conditions on Saturday as Williamstown won the toss and had no hesitation batting first.
The Imperials’ batsmen found life in the middle tough as a triple strike from the West Newport opening bowlers gave them the early advantage.
Daniel Slattery was joined at the crease by his captain Glen Robson and together the two set about rebuilding the innings as the score read 3/18.
Both were able to fend off some good bowling and eventually get the scoreboard ticking over to put Williamstown back in the game.
The pair added 46 runs before Robson was stumped.
From that point on it was all West Newport, which continued to take wickets regularly while keeping the scoring rate down.
Only Owen Alsop looked comfortable at the crease as he hit a well-compiled 42 to push the score towards 150.
However, when Alsop was dismissed any hope of a fight back walked back to the change room with him as Williamstown’s innings was closed at 142.
In response West Newport batted brilliantly in the high-pressure environment to pass the Williamstown total.
From there it was all about building the biggest lead possible which at stumps on Sunday was nearing 100.
When play resumes with week West Newport will be 9/228.
Alsop was the pick of the Imperials’ bowlers, taking 4/70 from 35 overs, which included 14 maidens.
The remaining wickets were shared between Robson, Paul Hudson, Slattery and Luke Hudson.
Play will continue from Bryan Martyn Oval this week with the first ball to be bowled at 12.30pm.
