By LIAM TWOMEY
SEVEN days after being bowled out for 72, Footscray Edgewater rebounded on Saturday to post 3/366 against Ringwood.
Wes Robinson was outstanding with the bat for the Bulldogs, hitting a blistering 161 while opening partner Dean Russ also made 108. Middle order batsmen Arun Harinath (53) and Ben Green (34) also chipped in and the total continued to grow.
Footscray Edgewater coach Barry Neivandt was pleased with the dramatic improvement shown in the batting line-up.
“It was a big day for the lads compared to last week and what we turned out,” he said.
“Part of the consequences for actions or lack of was to run 100 runs on the Tuesday night, all padded up, all kitted up including myself. We ran 100 as part of valuing our wickets and doing the right thing. It was about showing that there is accountability for actions or poor performance.
“I think getting a balance between our worst and our best and the consistency is the biggest thing for me. We need to get more consistent in our play and bring those lower performances up. Credit to the lads, they responded and did it in marvellous style.”
Robinson and Russ added 259 for the first wicket which sees the pair write their names into the Footscray Edgewater history books as both the best opening partnership and highest partnership for any wicket in the club’s history.
Neivandt applauded both batsmen for their hard work in reaching the outstanding achievement.
“They (Robinson and Russ) complement and compete in a healthy way,” he said.
“They love batting together, they run well between the wickets and there is a great understanding there between the boys. They really help each other out in the middle.
“Wes was fantastic yesterday. He was just in a great place. He batted beautifully and took the game on when he had to.
“They were both outstanding in what weren’t easy conditions with the wicket having a bit of grass on it. Both boys really put their heads down and put a value on their wicket and what they did and it was awesome and a big credit to them.”
Ringwood will begin its run chase this Saturday needing 367 to pull off the win and hold on to its top four spot on the Premier Cricket ladder.
Neivandt has already issued the challenge to his bowlers to take all 10 wickets when play resumes. “We have got to bowl them out,” he said.
“That is the challenge to our bowling group and that is what I said to them. It is over to you and everything you do this week is in preparation for hopefully being able to bowl them out.”
