A STRONG performance with the ball has Allansford in the box seat to cause an upset in round 13 of the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association Hopkins conference.
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The Gators will resume their first innings on 3-118 in pursuit of Port Fairy’s 173.
It was a combined effort from the Allansford attack with all five bowlers used among the wickets at Avery’s Paddock last Saturday.
Ben Boyd (2-41) again shouldered much of the workload, sending down 13 of the 42 overs bowled.
Boyd said the Gators had set out with a clear plan with the ball.
“Everyone knows the Port Fairy batting line-up loves to play their shots,” Boyd said.
“So we knew we had to be tight and bowl one side of the wicket and be patient and that is what we were able to do.”
The Allansford run chase looked like it was doomed early, the Gators slumping to 2-11. But contributions from Harry Bond (58 not out), Gault McGluggage (38) and Matt Brophy (12 not out) got the innings back on track.
Boyd is confident the Gators can continue to build with the bat.
“There was almost 300 runs scored last week so if the conditions are similar this week and we spend time at the crease then the runs will come,” Boyd said.
“Obviously a lot will depend on getting a good start from the boys at the crease but in this competition you need to bat all the way down if you want to win games.”
Like Allansford, Merrivale is also chasing a finals position and is well on the road to victory against Brierly-Christ Church. The Tigers will defend a score of 277. West Warrnambool is defending just 101 but has started well, having Wesley-CBC on 6-25 with Simon Johnson looking to add to his haul of 6-6.
In the Merri conference, East Warrnambool-YCW will be chasing Woodford’s score of 209. Nestles is 0-10 with its sights on Dennington’s 137 while Russells Creek is 1-41 chasing Nirranda’s first innings total of 100.
