VSDCA: Williamstown moves into top-two with win over Spotswood

Williamstown has moved into the Subbies top-two after a rollercoaster clash with Spotswood where luck was on the Seagulls side. Here’s why.

VSDCA cricket 2022-23: Box Hill v Williamstown at Box Hill City Oval. Fraser Hay bowling for Williamstown. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Sometimes not getting what you want will work in your favour.

Williamstown’s return to Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association action against Spotswood was the perfect example.

After losing the toss and being sent into the field, Williamstown’s bowlers tore through the hosts’ batting line-up to have them all out for 63.

Seagulls captain-coach Sean Sturrock wanted to win bat if he won the toss.

Instead he and Fraser Hay claimed four wickets apiece in a stunning display of bowling.

Williamstown eventually ran out three-wicket winners as just 127 runs were scored and 17 wickets fell between the two sides.

“We were lucky in a sense because we got a nice ball with quite a high seam and Fraser was able to get a few to swing in and hit pads and stumps,” Sturrock said.

“He usually swings it away from the right handers but managed to get it going the other week. I wouldn’t say it was a poor pitch to bat on, both sides were able to make the most of their quality bowling line-ups.

“I was fortunate enough to come in and take some late wickets after Fraser and Daniel Popa (two wickets) got on top early.”

Daniel Popa caused some of the early damage. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Williamstown’s run chase was far from easy with Hay the top scorer with 20 runs from 28 balls with in-form batsman Jack Craig the only other Seagull to reach double figures.

Sam Hope proved to be more than a handful for the visitors as he claimed 3-18.

“In the end cool heads prevailed,” Sturrock said.

“Small totals can be tough to chase and I didn’t want to change the batting order too much. Spotswood has a strong bowling line-up and definitely put up a good fight.

“They’re a quality side for a reason and I still think they’re the team to beat.”

Williamstown’s attention will now turn the first two-day game of the Subbies season as they prepare to welcome Hoppers Crossing, who also sit in the top six.

Sturrock said the longer format would present a new challenge for his side.

“Every club says they’re better suited to the two-day so it’s certainly going to be interesting,” he said.

“Some of the younger guys haven’t played more than 45 overs so there could be some sore bodies around the 60-over mark. We’ve got a T20 game on Tuesday night which isn’t the ideal preparation but it’s all part of the season.

“We’ve always had good games against Hoppers Crossing and I wouldn’t expect the next couple of weeks to be any different.”