St Albans not only picked up its first win of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division on Saturday, but also its first scalp.
After just missing out in the opening two rounds, the Saints shocked Sydenham-Hillside on Saturday to get on the board.
Saints coach Paul Hetherington said finally getting a win on the board would give the group plenty of confidence.
“We’re pretty happy,” he said. “It was a nice day after the start that we’ve had.
“I think the group has been really good and up and about.
“We had been competitive in both games and had opportunities to win them but we didn’t take them.
“We see the positives out of round one and two and we didn’t let the results hold us back.”
After winning the toss and deciding to bowl first, the Saints were able to restrict the Storm to 8-175 from its overs.
Cam West top scored with 33 at the top of the order.
Mitchell Pittaway, Hetherington and Lihan Dulshan took two wickets each for the Saints.
“We were really happy with that,” Hetherington said.”We got the better of the conditions and the wicket the longer the day went on.
“They were 2-90 and it was a credit to our bowlers at the back end to not let them get away.”
The Saints were quickly 1-7 after losing the wicket of John Moon.
Sammika Perera and James Meggitt turned the game in the favour of the Saints as they put on 132 for the second wicket partnership.
Hetherington said the pair batted outstanding, with Perera having a chanceless innings while Meggitt only giving one chance which saw him out for 55.
Perera, who finished 92 not out, helped guide the Saints home as they finished 3-179.
Hetherington said while getting a win was important it was the manner they did it which was most impressive.
“It was really good by the boys,” he said. “It was not just a win, it was a scalp as well.
“They made a grand final two years ago and finished third last year.
“They are a quality side and we’re happy to beat them.”
Anthony Alleyne took two wickets for the Storm.
The Saints this round face Airport West St Christopher’s in a two-day clash.
Hetherington said they were a side they rated highly and it would be another good test for them.
In other results, Deer Park remains undefeated after beating Altona North.
The Lions made 6-334 from their overs with Aaron Shellie making 141 to make it back-to-back centuries.
Altona North was bowled out for 174 in reply. Angelo Emmanuel took five wickets for the Lions.
Keilor suffered a loss to Airport West St Christopher’s.
The Blues were bowled out for just 118, with the Eagles making the runs with ease, finishing 4-120.
Malith Cooray was the only batter to show any resistance for the Blues, making 53.
