St Andrews Footscray is the hottest team in Victorian Turf Cricket Association west A1.
The Saints have strung together four wins in a row and will have a fifth in their sights against long-time rivals Kingsville Baptists when the second day of their contest resumes at Pennell Reserve on Saturday.
Much of the revival has been to do with the form of star second-year import Gihan Kankanamge.
The Sri Lankan sensation has smashed more than 400 runs this season, including three centuries. He raised the bat for a ton to rapturous applause from teammates against Kingsville on Saturday.
Opening batsman Simon Krygger has played more than 250 games for the Saints and cannot recall there being a more accomplished batsman at the club than Kankanamge.
“He’s probably as good as anyone we’ve ever had,” Krygger said. “He played first-class cricket in Sri Lanka.
“We got him over last year and he won the competition champion player by plenty and really dominated. After a little bit of a slow start this year he’s made three tons and is really stepping it up again.”
The 29-year-old from Colombo also packs some mean off-spin, having taken 18 wickets at 12.3 this season.
Kankanamge aside, St Andrews’ form has also been turned around due to its bowling on the whole. The Saints identified that as a key area for improvement after going win-less in the first four rounds of the season.
“We were bowling really poor in those games,” Krygger said.
The Saints made an imposing 286 and Kingy were 2-79 at stumps in a game that is crucial to both sides. Only one point separates the two finals contenders.
Elsewhere in west A1, the clashes between Newport-Digma and Sunshine Heights and Williamstown CYMS and Royal Park-Brunswick were non-starters on day one.
Play did, however, get under way between Footscray United and Altona Roosters. The Roosters made 196 with Chris Peters contributing a gallant 56 from the middle order. United is 1-22 in reply.
In north-west division, Spotswood had a tough time of it against Airport West-St Christophers. Spotswood was bowled out for 118. The West Saints were 3-42 at stumps.
Laverton posted 147 against Sunshine United, which is 2-32 in response.
In west B1, it was an unforgettable day for Barkly Street Uniting. The Streeters must have had that sinking feeling when they were bowled out for 81.
But they came out firing and rolled Seabrook for an unthinkable 29.
It is Barkly Street’s first win of the summer.
The side has the opportunity to go for an outright result on the second day.
