UPDATE: Rain once again disrupted play in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association as Hoppers Crossing settled for another draw on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Despite heavy rain leading up to match day, the Cats managed to take the field but could not secure a definitive result against Bayswater.
After posting a formidable score of 345 runs on day one, with standout performances from Bibek Virk and Wajh e Ali Bangash, who both finished at 86 not out, the Cats hoped for a victory. However, the match saw only 67 overs of play on Saturday, with Bayswater closing at 5-220 after recovering from a shaky start at 2-18. Hoppers Crossing’s Brett Smith and Sai Surapaneni each took two wickets, but the rain ultimately denied both teams a clear outcome.
As a result, the Cats remain in fourth place on the ladder with three wins, one loss, and two draws after six rounds. In contrast, Werribee faced a more challenging situation as they were unable to take the field against Balwyn, which had posted 302 runs on day one. The heavy rain led to a complete abandonment of the match, leaving the Tigers in seventh place, just three points shy of breaking into the top six.
Looking ahead, Hoppers Crossing will face Mt Waverley in their next two-day match, while Werribee will host Noble Park on the next two Saturdays. These upcoming matches are critical for both teams as they strive to improve their standings.
Meanwhile, the rain also affected play on Sunday, but both Werribee’s and Hoppers Crossing’s women’s teams managed to complete their matches. In the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket Competition shield (1), Werribee fell short against La Trobe University Flamewings, scoring 3-154 but losing as the Flamewings chased down the total with just three balls remaining, finishing at 5-156. Puneet Kaur Dhillon led the Tigers with 43 runs before being run out.
After ten rounds, Werribee’s women sit in ninth place and will face Edinburgh in round 11 on Sunday.
In the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s social T20 competition, Hoppers Crossing struggled against Gellibrand (2), who set a challenging total of 2-134 in a shortened match. The Cats could only manage 2-54, with Sophia Raissa top-scoring with 11 not out. Currently, Hoppers Crossing’s women’s team sits in sixth place, still seeking their first win, as they prepare to face Mambourin this Sunday.
With rain continuing to play a significant role in the cricket season, fans and players alike are eager for clearer skies and more decisive outcomes in the matches ahead.
