By Tara Murray
Rain ruined Sydenham-Hillside’s chances of putting a further hold on a top two spot in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 Roy Picone Shield competition.
The Storm was in control of their match against another top four side, Williamstown Imperials, when rain fell and halted play on Saturday.
The sides wouldn’t get the opportunity to return to the field with the rain continuing to fall, leaving the match finishing in a draw.
Storm president Warren Hackney said it was a shame they didn’t get a result.
The Storm was 0-30 after 12 overs in reply to the Imperials’ 147. The Storm started day two at 0-7.
“We did a lot of hard work the week before to put ourselves in a good position,” he said. “We were happy to be chasing down the 140 needed and it would have gone a long way to securing a top two spot.”
Akeem Springer finished 19 not out for the Storm.
Hackney said their top order had fired in recent weeks which had been key for them in putting wins on the board.
He said Springer, who made his debut in round seven, had been a big factor in the side getting such good starts.
There was just one result across the division, with East Keilor beating Pascoe Vale Hadfield.
The Storm remains in second spot having already sealed a finals berth.
PHOTO GALLERY: Sydenham-Hillside vs Williamstown Imperials
Hackney said that finishing in the top four was their first aim for the season, having come up from division 4, after winning that premiership last season.
“We’re in a very good spot,” he said. “We had a couple of losses early when we were finding our feet, but that was the same last season.
“We’re assured our first goal in getting a finals spot. We want to finish as high up the ladder as we can.
“We’re chasing a top two spot and a home final. We’re building really nicely.”
The Storm face top four sides West Newport and Point Cook in the final two regular season games.
Hackney said it would be a good test for them heading into finals.
The rain also resulted in Storm’s women’s game being called off on Sunday. The decision was made early Sunday morning.
Hackney, who coaches the side, said it had been a really good season despite what the results say.
The Storm has won just one game for the season.
“In comparison to the first two seasons, it’s very different,” he said. We’ve been doing relatively well with a rebuild taking place. We’ve got a good group forming and we’ve taken a big step in the right direction.”
It was washouts for most teams in the VTCA on Sunday, with only a couple of results across the board.
In division 4, Caroline Springs didn’t get any play in against Wyndhamvale, while for a second straight week Melton Centrals and Footscray United didn’t play.
In division 5, Melton South Royals had a draw with Footscray ANA.
