By Mark Murray
KEILOR secured first innings points against Hampton on day one of their Victorian Turf Cricket Association (VTCA) clash at Keilor.
The Bulldogs produced a brilliant bowling performance to trundle the visitors out for a lowly 86.
James McKay and Dale Pixton were the destroyers, taking eight wickets between them.
In reply, Keilor has already passed the required total, but went about it the hard way, losing four wickets before stumps.
The team will resume this weekend at 4/86.
Pixton was thrown the ball first change by captain Rick Marcy, and didn’t let his skipper down.
He finished with 4/12 from 10 overs in a near-flawless bowling performance.
He forced wickets by tying down the Hampton batsmen while at the other end McKay also cashed in, taking the new ball to finish with 4/33 from 13.1 overs.
With the bat, it was Lucas Bugeja who did enough to bolt down the points on the opening day’s play, making a quick-fire 39.
Marcy is looking comfortable at the crease, unbeaten on 17.
Yarraville Club has a tough run chase ahead of it against Youlden Parkville, with the latter posting 240 from its 72 overs on Saturday.
Yarraville Club lost the toss and sent into bowl on a good batting strip, and will need to put in a good performance with the willow this week to get the points.
Andrew Skate set up the competitive Youlden Parkville total with a well-crafted 61, receiving support from Nick Rose (45).
Emmett Bronca was a star with the ball for the home side taking 5/49 from 16 overs, bowling a nagging line and length during both his spells.
He took the new ball and had Youlden Parkville in some early trouble at 2/33 when he dismissed both opening batsmen.
Yarraville Club is 0/36 in reply.
Spotswood will need to bring its A game this Saturday, chasing a difficult 274 for victory against South Caulfield.
South Caulfield won an important toss and batted at Princess Park.
Michael McCarthy finished the most efficient of the Spotswood seamers taking 2/23, but it was a long day in the field for his side.
Altona North has given itself a chance of defending 186 against Chelsea by claiming valuable wickets before stumps on Saturday.
Altona North was bowled out in 61 overs with Gavin McCallman top scoring with 43.
He was supported by Brian Bouchier (39) and Ashleigh Peters (34), but they will need an even better bowling performance to defend the runs.
Altona North has given itself a sniff with Chelsea 3/53 at stumps.
In other VTCA, matches McKinnon is chasing 223 for victory against Doutta Stars, while Royal Park/Brunswick has set Old Essendon Grammarians 225 to win.
