By LIAM TWOMEY
ANOTHER impressive batting display from Travis Dean has lifted Footscray Edgewater to a strong position after day one of its clash against the Camberwell Magpies in the Victorian Premier Cricket.
The Bulldogs won the toss and batted first at the Camberwell Sports Ground and it was Dean Russ and Anthony Barton who kicked things off in the middle.
The pair added 32 for the first wicket before Barton was dismissed for 19.
That brought Dean to the crease with the middle order batsman’s confidence sky high after a brilliant century the match before against Dandenong.
Despite a few wickets falling around him, Dean was never flustered as he again looked right at home in the middle.
He went on to make 95 before being bowled by Matthew Whittaker. The score came off 231 balls and his 14 boundaries put the Bulldogs in the box seat.
Dean was well supported by Russ, who made 49, while Sunam Gautam contributed 30 after coming in late in the innings.
After 85 overs, Footscray finished at 7/230 with Jake Haberfield and Hamish Winter-Irving the not out batsmen.
As well as getting the big wicket of Dean, Whittaker was the pick of the Camberwell bowlers and finished with figures of 3/34.
William Walker was the only other multiple wicket taker as he snared 2/37.
When day two of the clash resumes on Saturday, the Magpies will need to chase down 231 if they are to claim their 10th win of the season.
“I was really happy with the way the boys fought,” Footscray captain Dean Russ said.
“The conditions were a bit tougher than expected. With the cloud cover coming over, it didn’t allow the wicket to dry out and the ball really swung around all day.
“It was a pretty tough day and a very good game of cricket all round.
“Travis was fantastic. It was tough going and for him to be able to work through that and be able to score 95 was fantastic. He deserved five more runs. That allowed us to get to a total where we are in a pretty good position.”
A win this week will ensure the Bulldogs remain in the top two on the Victorian Premier Cricket ladder.
