Werribee moves closer to top-two VSDCA spot

A Werribee bowler’s career first has presented a reflection of the Tigers’ ominous form with plenty still to play for heading into the final game of the season.

Jonathon Burton’s form is a reflection of a player and team nearing peak form.

The Werribee star tore through Donvale for a second time on Saturday to push the Tigers into the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west top-two.

He finished with figures of 6-44 in the second innings as Donvale was all out for 137.

It followed Burton’s 5-26 in the first innings as he finished with the first 10-wicket match in his career with combined figures of 11-70.

Werribee was eventually able to finish with a comfortable outright victory as the Tigers stretched their undefeated streak to seven matches.

They remain a chance of taking out the minor premiership while also eyeing a third straight premiership and fourth consecutive grand final appearance.

The Tigers will take on fellow finals aspirants Mt Waverley in a one-day game to close out the season.

Werribee would need to beat their eastern rivals and hope current ladder leader Spotswood loses to Bayswater if they are to finish on top.

A top-two finish either way would guarantee the double chance.

DAY ONE REVIEW

Werribee appears to be peaking at the right time.

The Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association powerhouse is finding its best form at the right time of the season after a year dogged by inconsistency.

The Tigers sent a powerful message to the rest of the competition on day one with its clash with Donvale after setting up the opportunity of claiming an outright victory.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Werribee rolled the host for 52 with James Freeman and Jonathon Burton both claiming five wickets.

They then powered to 7-150 before declaring behind Matt Dean’s 71 off 64 deliveries.

Donvale is 2-41 at the end of play.

The weekend’s play saw the Tigers field arguably their strongest side of the season.

Since the new year, they’ve welcomed back key pieces.

Werribee’s Matthew Dean and Shaun Dean. Picture: Andy Brownbill

In all, 17 players have played First XI cricket this season compared to just 12 in last season’s premiership winning campaign.

Captain Tim O’Brien believes his side’s form had always been about peaking at the right time.

“I wouldn’t have a standout player this season, it’s been about contributions from different players in different games,” he said.

“Despite having a lot more guys come through the first grade, I’d say it’s been a good thing for the club. We’ve managed to keep winning which is really important and showcases the depth we do have at the club.

“The message has always been we want to be playing our best cricket at this stage of the season and we’re finding that at the moment.”

Donvale’s Matthew Wright. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Heading into the second day of play this weekend, O’Brien said an outright victory is the target for his side.

Werribee remains just net run rate behind Williamstown in second place and is still eyeing off a double chance.

“It was a pretty good toss for us to win because the conditions definitely favoured the bowlers,” he said.

“We’ll be aiming to bowl them out again and chase the runs if we need to.”