Battle of Bridge looms
BARWON Heads will be seeking redemption against top side Ocean Grove when the two teams meet this week, after Sam Schaller’s men made short work of Portarlington on Saturday.
“It turned out to be (comfortable) in the end. Those smaller totals can be a bit tricky sometimes, but we did it the right way, which was good,” he said.
Chasing 146 for victory, Schaller (75) and Lewy Hyland (55 not out) reached the target easily to secure their side a nine-wicket win. But their attention quickly turns to the Grubbers who sit a top the ladder.
When the two sides last met in a one-dayer on January 19, the ladder leader chased Barwon Heads’ score of 140 with eight wickets in hand.
“Ocean Grove gave us a good old touch up over there just after Christmas,” Schaller said.
“I know myself and the rest of the guys are looking forward to getting another opportunity and now we’re locked in for finals, we’re going to be playing those sort of sides.
“We want to try and go as far as we can, so it’s going to give some guys a great opportunity against the best teams in the competition to stand up, make some runs, take some wickets and play some good cricket.”
Only four bowlers were required to keep Portarlington to 9-145 on day one, but Schaller said his side would welcome back two key players ahead of finals.
“Al Hickey was unavailable for this game, just with some work commitments so we’ll get him back for this game and we’ve still got Michael Fallon as well — he just got back from overseas — so we’ve still got plenty of options,” Schaller said. “It’s a good problem to have.” Barwon Heads will then end its regular season against Collendina, who Schaller warned would be determined to avoid relegation.