VSDCA: Werribee gun Shaun Dean injured as Adam Alifraco enjoys day out

A Werribee legend enjoyed a career best game with the ball against Box Hill but an injury to a star has overshadowed the result.

A vital win, a career best effort and a massive injury blow — Werribee’s win over Box Hill had it all.

Sunday’s Victorian Sub District Cricket Association clash was shortened to 25 overs a side as Melbourne’s wild run of weather, setting the scene for a rollercoaster ride.

Werribee eventually limped to 8-125 in its innings in part thanks to 49 runs from 53 balls from captain Tim O’Brien who admitted he probably flirted with his side’s form at the start of the game.

“When we knew the game was shortened I thought it might be an idea switch up the batting order,” he said.

“Looking back I probably should have stuck with our usual structure because we didn’t really get any flow in our innings.”

Werribee star Shaun Dean was forced to retire hurt. Picture: Steve Tanner

The Tigers’ batting woes were compounded when star batsman Shaun Dean was forced to retire after just 12 deliveries.

Dean felt a “tweak” in his side as he attempted to slog sweep with the damage to still be determined.

“It didn’t look good at the time but we’ll see how he is at training during the week,” O’Brien said.

“Given we did bat first we had to probably try and hide him in the field a little bit but to his credit Shaun was able to finish the game which is a positive.

“We’ll assess him and then make a decision on his availability for the next game from there.”

James Freeman. Picture: Steve Tanner

While there was concern for Dean, the positivity of the Tigers’ victory centred around Adam Alifraco who enjoyed a career day with the ball.

He finished with career best figures of 4-19 as Box Hill were bowled out for 82.

It was also the first time he has taken four wickets in a match since the 2019-20 season.

Alifraco also contributed an important 11 runs with the bat to help the Tigers tick the scoreboard along.

Meanwhile, James Freeman finished with an impressive 3-6.

“He (Alifraco) really steadied the ship for us and took some key wickets in the middle of their innings,” O’Brien said.

He’s played over 200 First XI games now so you know he’s always someone who can stay calm and stand up in the big moments.”

Werribee’s game against Noble Park on Saturday was washed out with Sunday’s win pushing the Tigers into the top six.

“Obviously it was important to win especially when every other side got a result on Saturday,” O’Brien said.

“It’s a tightly contested competition at the moment so every win is big especially with the impact the weather is having.”

The Tigers will next face Balwyn away from home.