By Adrian Ceddia
A HALF-century from Werribee’s Damien Abbey denied Sunshine a near-perfect afternoon in round five of the Victorian Sub District Cricket Association on Saturday.
On a day for the bowlers, Abbey spent a decisive period in the middle on his way to 61 runs, the second time he has made the score this season.
His haul of runs was enough to drag Werribee’s total to 149, but the innings was highlighted more for the bowling efforts of Sunshine’s strike men.
Three of the Crows’ bowlers – Stuart Hensley, Glenn Sullivan and Shane Jones – took all of the wickets between them, with Hensley picking up team-best figures of 4/18.
With time left in the day’s play for Sunshine to bat, Werribee hit back with the ball, taking two of the Crows’ top order to leave the game in the balance after the first day.
Sunshine will resume at 2/38, needing a further 112 runs to score its first win of the season.
There is also an excellent opportunity for the second XI to climb the ladder after a dominant opening day at Chirnside Park.
A majestic century from Anthony Gomez (115) led the Crows to an imposing total of 253, before striking two blows before the close to leave Werribee in deep trouble at 2/22.
The story is not so rosy for the thirds, who need 100 runs with only one wicket in hand to save itself from defeat, while the fourths are 4/19 chasing 216.
