Hoppers Crossing faced a challenging start to the season in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association, fielding a youthful team of seven players aged 21 and under during their opener against Spotswood. Despite a strong performance from the Woodsmen, who are considered a top contender this season, the Cats displayed resilience and determination on the field.
The match began with Spotswood dominating, scoring an impressive 279 runs before being bowled out in the penultimate over. Hoppers Crossing’s coach, Simon Lambert, acknowledged the challenge, stating, “There’s a lot of opportunities to step up.” He noted the improvement in his team’s performance, especially after Spotswood was initially at 2-200 on a flat pitch, a scenario that could have easily led to a score exceeding 320 runs.
Lambert praised his team’s effort, highlighting that they made Spotswood work hard for each run. “For 90 percent of the team, we were really good. After tea, we dropped off for 10-15 overs, which was a little bit disappointing with a few misfields and mistakes,” he said. Nevertheless, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall effort and ability to stick to their game plan.
A standout performer for Hoppers Crossing was Arihant Rawal, who took six wickets, showcasing his skills after returning to the club from Victorian Premier Cricket. Lambert commended Rawal, calling his performance “fabulous.”
As the Cats move into the second week of the match, they face a run chase requiring approximately 3.5 runs per over. “We bat all the way to 10,” Lambert noted, emphasizing the need for consistent batting to secure a successful outcome. He believes that this test will reveal the team’s potential, as they strive to compete with top-tier teams in the league.
In addition to the challenges on the field, Lambert mentioned the hope of reintegrating player Abbas Faiyaz, who is recovering from a split webbing in his hand, into the lineup soon. There is also anticipation surrounding Daryl Ferrario, who is still awaiting visa approval to join the team.
In related matches, Werribee struggled against Altona, being bowled out for 153 runs, with Dean Russ leading the scoring with 49 runs. As Altona concluded the first week at 2-44, they positioned themselves well for a potential victory in the upcoming week.
Meanwhile, in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s social T20 competition, the Cats’ women’s team faced defeat against Mambourin. The Cats managed to score 117 runs but fell short as Mambourin successfully chased down the target, finishing with 118 runs in the 16th over.
The Hoppers Crossing Cats look to build on their experience in the coming weeks, eager to solidify their standing in the league while nurturing their young talent.
