By ROY WARD
DANDENONG West got its Dandenong District Cricket Association turf 1 season off to the perfect start with a first-innings win over Narre Warren on Saturday.
Despite losing the toss and being forced into the field at Greaves Reserve, the Bulls’ bowlers Alex Roberts (5-30) and Andrew Harry (3-20) took control early, building pressure as the visitors were bowled out for 93.
With 27 overs left in the day, the Bulls were determined to get past the Bulls’ total and confirm the points. And they did, finishing on 2-110.
The Bulls were the only side to take a day one win, something that could prove vital if rain stops play this Saturday.
Dandenong West captain-coach Justin Stanton praised his side for its persistence through the day.
“The most important thing because we had enough overs was to get first-innings points in case of bad weather on day two,” he said. “We’ve already got the result now. It was exactly the start we wanted to get off to.”
The Bulls’ bowling efforts were even more impressive, considering they lost opening bowler Peter Atkinson on Wednesday after he was rushed to hospital to have his appendix removed.
“He had it removed on Wednesday and will miss this game and the next match,” Stanton said.
“But Roberts bowled really well as did Harry. They both built pressure and our import from Durham, Ryan Buckley, took 2-7 with his off-spinners. We put the ball in the right areas and everything that was hit in the air we caught.”
Darren Weerden (21 not out) and Roberts (13 no) will return to the crease on Saturday. Dushan Wickramaratne took both wickets for Narre Warren.
At Parkfield Reserve, Parkfield faces an uphill battle to beat Berwick after being bowled out for 164 on Saturday, with Steve Spoljaric making 53. The Bears got another star performance from Ryan Crawford (4-30) and will resume on 1-31 this Saturday.
Hallam Kalora Park star Leigh Booth made 116 to lead his side to a dominant 9-334 from 80 overs against North Dandenong.
Doveton has the edge over Springvale South after day one of their clash. The Bloods made 158 all out but the Doves fell to 2-35 at stumps with Dillon Fernandesz taking both wickets. Buckley Ridges looks in prime position to beat Coomoora, ending play on 0-37, chasing 167.
Heinz Southern Districts is in trouble at 3-20 against Mordialloc, chasing the visitors’ 144.
■ The DDCA executive last week ruled most round 1 turf matches would be replayed on December 16, the reserve day. The clash between Berwick and Dandenong West has been set for December 9.
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