By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs put together a solid batting performance as it looks to keep its finals hopes alive in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4 Charles Clark Shield competition.
Sitting outside the top four, the Falcons need to win both their remaining matches and hope other results go their way.
The Falcons took a big step toward getting the first of those wins, with a strong first day against Williamstown Congs.
The Falcons were bowled out in the 76th over for 207.
Falcons skipper Kany Twentyman said the score could have been more.
“Gayashan Weerasekara and Avidu Fernando batted really well after we got off to a shaky start,” he said.
“They have been consistent for us. “We were two down at tea and were primed to make 230-plus. We had a little bit of a late collapse.
“Kane Sevior was unavailable and we lacked a bit of batting strength towards the tail.”
Twentyman said it was good to see a couple of the young players down the order get time in the middle.
Lachlan McArthur, who still plays in under-15s and Flynn Rice, who still plays under-17s, both made contributions.
Twentyman said some weeks they were having as many as five players under-20 in the team. “We go week-in, week-out playing quite an inexperienced team.
“We rock up with three to five guys under-20 each week. They certainly aren’t making up the numbers and are getting an opportunity in the first XI.”
Twentyman said they backed their bowlers in to do the job this week.
The Congs will resume at 0-0 after facing one over late on day one.
PHOTO GALLERY: Williamstown Congs vs Caroline Springs
Twentyman said they know they need some luck to go their way if they’re to sneak into finals.
They are in seventh spot, six points outside the top.
“We have to win the last two games to give ourselves a chance and we’re doing absolutely everything we can.
We’ve beaten first and third, so we’re not too far away,” he said.
“It looks like Footscray United will get over Grand United and that doesn’t help us. [But] Stranger things have happened.”
Twentyman said if they were to miss out on finals, the five draws from no-results due to weather this season would be what costs them.
“We’re not getting on the park consistently enough,” he said.
Sixth-placed Melton Centrals are in trouble against Maribyrnong Park St Marys. Centrals made 123, with St Marys 3-63 in reply.
Like the Falcons, Centrals have to win to make finals.
In division 3, Sydenham-Hillside is in control against West Newport.
The Storm made 5-243 on the back of 87 from president Warren Hackney.
In division 5, Melton South Royals is staring down the barrel of defeat against Moonee Valley.
The Royals were bowled out for 117, with Moonee Valley 6-104 in reply
