REIGNING premier Merrivale yesterday scored its opening win of the season, but coach Michael Walsh wants improvement from his batsmen. And fast.
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Merrivale restricted Russells Creek to 81 in 39.1 overs, with only Jeremy Cook (30) making the most of the good conditions at Jetty Flat.
In reply, Merrivale was under pressure with the bat, reaching the victory target six wickets down in the 27th over.
Walsh said his bowlers, led by Simon Fleming (three wickets) and Josh Stapleton (two), were good and received strong support in the field.
But his batsmen’s form — or lack of it — was worrying, especially after they were dismissed for just 40 in their previous match.
“It was good to get a win,” he said.
“It definitely wasn’t a convincing win.”
Walsh said Merrivale’s batsmen made poor shot selections.
“The run rate wasn’t a question, so we didn’t have to play stupid shots.”
He said his side would get no let-up on Saturday when it faced Allansford.
“Allansford haven’t lost a game all year so it will be a good test again for us. They are probably the in-form team in the competition.”
Russells Creek captain Nathan Divall took 4-30.
Woodford survived a spirited performance from East Warrnambool-YCW to claim the points in their match at Jack Keane Oval, Koroit.
The Eels set East Warrnambool-YCW 147 for victory and despite extras being the highest contributor, the Broncos gave it a shake. But inspired Eels paceman Hank Schlaghecke (4-22 off seven overs) sealed a nine-run triumph in the 42nd over.
Woodford skipper John Houston was relieved to take away the points.
“It was getting closer,” Houston said.
“The pleasing thing was we were good enough to get ourselves out of it in the end. We were under the pump when they needed four an over but the bowlers were good enough to get the lines right.
“We talked about not taking the game too easy because East are a developing side and can sneak up on you. They can play really good cricket.”
He said East’s middle order did well and seemingly had the game in hand, needing four an over in the last 10 overs.
“We probably took the pedal off a bit and bowled too many extras,” Houston said.
In the other Hopkins conference match, Allansford claimed a 65-run win against Brierly-Christ Church.
The Gators remain undefeated after posting 5-183, thanks to 55 from opener Nick Maddison and 47 to Tim McDonald.
Tom Loughnan (3-15) and Kyall Timms (3-20) then destroyed the Bulls’ hopes, claiming six wickets between them as Brierly finished at 8-118.