Bowlers reward batsmen’s fightback
GEELONG West coach Justin McPhee “couldn’t be happier” with his side’s impressive start to the season, which continued with a 102-run win over Waurn Ponds-Deakin on Saturday.
McPhee was pleased with a fightback with the bat on day one, led by Tony Spence (60) and Mitch Stephens (61) that enabled the Rams’ strong bowling attack to have a total to bowl to on day two, eventually skittling Waurn Ponds for 142 on Saturday.
“We were in a bit of trouble at 5-100 last week, but Tony has been our most in-form batsman the last few weeks, even in the T20s,” he said.
“With the composure he’s got, he just knows what to do in each situation.
“He wasn’t trying to play the million-dollar shots, he’s just a real worker.
“Mitch has probably had a lean start to the year with the stick, so for him to come out and bat with the experience of Tony and talk their way through it was really important.
“Without that the result could’ve changed.”
Despite stubborn resistance on Saturday from Waurn Ponds opener Darcy Southern, who patiently compiled a 180-ball 37 across three hours, the Eagles never threatened to chase down the target, losing wickets at regular intervals on a tricky, slow pitch.
Impressive young gun Alex Buckwell bowled 25 overs unchanged on his way to 3-49, doing the bulk of the damage in tandem with seamer Sam Kelly (4-22), who were unrelenting in their line and length.
“They bowled really well with the wicket being a bit slow and Waurn Ponds not showing a lot of intent,” McPhee said.
“All the bowlers are getting a lot better with their consistency.
“Alex Buckwell bowled 25 overs on the trot — he’s been really big for us this year and it’s good to have him on board.
“I was really impressed with Sam Kelly and Mitch Stephens too — their consistency this year from what I saw last year has improved a lot, and that helps.
“I’ve been working hard with them on their mindsets and how they approach things, but they’ve been fantastic.”
Sitting third on the ladder with one loss so far this season, McPhee is content with where his side sits.
“I couldn’t be happier with how things are going,” he said.
“We’ve got a few tough games coming up, so we can see where we sit, but so far I’m happy.”