Werribee Tigers are the road warriors of sub-district cricket. The Tigers keep getting long journeys thrust in front of them, and keep conquering them one by one.
The latest victory on the road – their fourth in five rounds – came at Noble Park, a cruisy 112-run first innings win at Pat Wright Snr Oval.
These weekly road trips have been brought about by the multi-million dollar redevelopment of Chirnside Park.
Tigers’ batsman Shaun Dean knew his car would clock up the kilometres this season, but the fixture makers have not made it easy.
“They haven’t really looked after us with the fixture at all,” Dean said. “We’ve gone from Endeavour Hills to Noble Park, and now we’ll follow up with Croydon.
“We might as well get a halfway house out there at the moment because we seem to be way out on the other side of town back-to-back weeks. We’ve barely played a western suburbs’ team so far.”
It was 102 from Dean that set up Werribee’s total of 214 off 72 overs. The Tigers were in full command with Dean and skipper Tim O’Brien (31) at the crease and the score on 2-150, but that’s where the joy ended … the innings fizzled out.
“We seemed to be set, so I thought we’d probably make close to 280 or 300 because the outfield was pretty quick and a beautiful ground,” Dean said. “Then he went out and there was sort of a collapse.”
If Werribee was afraid it did not have enough runs, it didn’t have to worry, its bowlers produced a stunning performance to have Noble Park all out for 102 in 46.4 overs.
Brad Robertson was the star of day two, taking season-best figures of 5-25 off 13.5 overs.
Jonathan Burton (3-33) and James Freeman (2-29) kept up the pressure at the other end to complete a stellar team bowling display.
“With the rain during the week, the wicket was quite lively,” Dean said. “There was a bit of grass on it, which suits our seam bowlers.
“If there’s enough there, they certainly find it out of the wicket.”
Werribee is fourth on the ladder, just one game behind leaders Balwyn. The Tigers can move on up when they face third-placed Croydon away in a two-day game at Croydon Oval starting on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hoppers Crossing lost outright to Williamstown at Hogans Road Reserve, a fourth loss in five rounds. There is no respite on the horizon for the Cats, facing a trip to undefeated ladder-leader Balwyn on Saturday.
