Originally Posted by Solid Defence
BPCA Game Wrap – Round 5
Barwon Heads vs Queenscliff
Tim Michell
A stunning turnaround has given Barwon Heads the upper hand in the Seagulls top of the table clash against Queenscliff. After winning the toss and batting, the Coutas reached 0/72 from a frantic opening nine overs with Michael Farrell and Daniel Mair displaying their knowledge of a bouncy Queenscliff pitch.
When Mair was removed by Jason Mallett for 40, the complexion of the game changed, before Darren Shapter and Luke Orvis steadied the Coutas. Left armer Josh Dunne removed both batsmen after a partnership of 75, leaving Conan Roos to clean up the remaining Queenscliff batsmen. The Seagulls opener finished with 5/38 off 11 overs after conceding 0/32 in his first four, typifying the change in fortunes for the visitors.
Barwon Heads captain-coach Chris Welsford highlighted the effort of Roos to bounce back as a key to the Seagulls profitable day.
“If you wanted to highlight one real turning point that changed the game, Roosy’s second spell would be it” Welsford said.
“They got off to an absolute flyer, but from when we got that first wicket they lost about ten wickets for about 100, so we knew that first wicket was going to be crucial”.
Welsford said his side recognised the threat posed by second placed Queenscliff.
“Obviously they play their wicket pretty well, which they showed early, so the conditions were pretty difficult”.
“We expected it to be one of our biggest tests to date but I was really happy with what we did. We’re not doing anything differently, we’re just focused on doing the simple things well which is what we are trying to work on” Welsford said.
While there was a suggestion at the beginning of the season that the reigning premiers bowling attack may be susceptible without spin bowler Sam Schaller in its ranks, Welsford said he had no concerns coming into the season.
“We’ve got plenty of depth and have given away four new A Grade caps already this year. We’ve got Conan Roos, Les Wallace, myself, Todd Friswell and a host of others, so we’ve got the bowling covered” Welsford said.
After claiming last years title from fourth, Welsford said his side would be focused on maintaining a top two place.
“One of our biggest threats now being the hunted is dropping one against one of the lower sides because everyone is keen to beat Barwon Heads”.
“Last year is the past, and we’re purely worrying about this year and being in the best possible spot we can be at Christmas”.
Welsford said the key to his side’s continued success would be the form of the Seagulls batsmen.
“Last year we didn’t have a lot of guys making consistent runs so we had to defend small totals. Our bowlers are still doing the job, but to have the batsmen doing the job too has been the key”.
Wallington have given themselves a serious chance of a first win since 2006 after compiling 207 against Geelong West. Darren Cameron was the hero for the home side, finishing with a well made 93. Ben Atkinson also played a role in a vital opening stand which set the platform for what should be a competitive total. Michael Andrew finished with six scalps for the Cheetahs, who will need Adam Melville to play a major role this weekend, and must look to bat out their 75 overs.
Drysdale are in a fairly comfortable position after the first day of play against Barrabool, having rolled the Bulls for 160. Wes Grigg and Kane Pickering put up the only real resistance for the visitors, who were dismantled by a classy spell of spin bowling for Brendon Sharpe. Sharpe finished with figures of 4/49 from 18 overs, with his side reaching 0/4 when umpire Michael Stott called a close to the days play.
Collendina have given themselves every chance of claiming victory after dismissing Newcomb for 187 at home. The Bulls showed some fight in the middle order, before an eight over spell from Ewan Handley which yielded 3/13 ended the visitors hopes of a 200 plus total. The game marked the debut of two new Cobras players Brendan Hall and Jimmy Bartel.
Jan Juc and Ocean Grove’s clash at Jan Juc Park is evenly poised after Paul O’Donoghue grabbed two late wickets to get the Grubbers back into the contest. Only three Ocean Grove batsmen reached double figures as the visitors were dismissed for 162. Both sides will be aiming for a positive start this weekend to take the ascendancy in an important fixture for the make up of the top six.
St Albans have stamped themselves as a serious contender after piling on another massive total against Anglesea. The Saints finished the first day of play at 9/327, with the returning Sean Braniff the only batsmen not required. Sean O’Leary finished with 87 to show he has not lost any touch after returning to the Saints at the beginning of the season, while Rory Fitzgerald and John Irvine Jr. also made fifties. Anglesea will have their work cut out this weekend, needing Ash Poulton and Darryn Jacobs to play major roles.
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