VTCA: West Coburg puts Tullamarine to the sword

West Coburg’s stunning bowling effort to bowl Tullamarine out for just 41 meant much more than reward for effort. Here’s why it could be so important.

West Coburg believes Saturday could be the turning points of its season.

With just three wins and a draw to its name this season, the Redbacks are halfway to pulling off their best performance of the season.

They dismissed Tullamarine for just 41 on day one of their Victorian Turf Cricket Association Division 1 clash before powering to 6-183 from 61 overs.

But it’s not the bowling effort which pleased coach Jack Potticary most.

Bowling hasn’t been West Coburg’s challenge this season, it’s been with the stick.

West Coburg’s Peter Goulding. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“We were really happy with our effort,” Potticary said.

“The wicket had a bit of a tinge in it and we were never going to bat first, even though it was quite warm, if they had of been 0-150 it could have been a long day in the field.

“Red ball bowling is going to be one of our greatest strengths I think. We’ve got a young side through the middle order and playing two-day cricket is going to allow them to get into their innings.

“There isn’t that same scoring pressure as a one-day game.

“There’s still a good chance for us to spend some time in the middle and build confidence.”

West Coburg’s Mohamed Feshal. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Heading into the weekend’s action, Potticary said his side would aim to build a lead of between 180 and 200 runs before sending Tullamarine into bat again.

But he admits he can only dream of Michael Pratt (6-21) and Peter Goulding (3-19) tearing through the opposition again.

“Tulla aren’t just going to roll over,” he said.

“We would be naive if we expected that was just going to happen. We’ve got to continue landing the ball in the right areas and play boring cricket.

“We need to wait for the mistakes and capitalise on those.”

Pawan Edirisinghe will be looking to reach triple figures for the Redbacks on the weekend when he resumes on 67.

In other Division 1 matches, Doutta Stars posted 8-188 from its 80 overs against Sunshine as Lorenzo Ingram led the way with 47.

PEGS was all out for 105 in its clash with St Francis de Sales with the home side 2-94 in response.

Seddon posted an impressive xx against Airport West St Christophers led by half-centuries to Kyle Scheepers and Sam Young.

Meanwhile, Sydenham-Hillside has been set 200 for victory by Altona North.