Endeavour Hills quick Simon Black’s rich vein of form continued against Croydon at Sydney Pargeter Reserve on the weekend, but it was not enough to get his side over the line.By Marc McGowan
THE Victorian Sub District Cricket Association finals look a long way off for Endeavour Hills after the team succumbed to Croydon at Sydney Pargeter Reserve on Saturday.
Captain-coach Ben Maroney predicted a finals appearance for his side on the eve of the season, but the seven-wicket loss leaves the Hills 10 points adrift of fourth-placed Mount Waverley in 10th spot.
Only four matches remain for Endeavour Hills to make up the difference, and it will probably need to win every one to be a realistic chance.
Its remaining opponents are Melton (fifth), unbeaten Williamstown (first), Oakleigh (seventh) and Bayswater (eighth).
The Croydon result was unlucky for the Hills, who copped the worst of the batting conditions on day one.
Rain tumbled down as the team moved into a good position, which ultimately helped Croydon off-spinner Andrew Hurley (6/34 from 16 overs) orchestrate a stunning collapse of 7/33.
Endeavour Hills was all out for 142, but did manage some retribution by restricting the visitors to 2/10 at stumps.
But once the game resumed on the weekend, it was clear the Hills had little chance of dismissing Croydon short of its modest total.
Hurley (86 runs) again proved the match-winner, combining with opener Nick Martin (43) to carry their team to 2/118.
Martin was out on that score, but Hurley ploughed on and together with Jamil Hassan (44) passed Endeavour Hills’ effort.
Croydon finished on 5/244, with contributions aplenty.
Hills quick Simon Black, who claimed the first two wickets, was sensational with 3/44 from 20 overs, but had little support.
Gun fast bowler Matthew Hutchinson had a day to forget, being hit for 88 runs off 16 overs.
Maroney has not given up hope of achieving his pre-season goal of making the finals, but realises his players face an uphill climb.
“We’re mathematically still in the hunt, but we might need to beat a top side like Williamstown at home to do it,” he said.
“On our day, we’re a pretty good side, so anything could happen.”
However, Maroney believes his squad does have some excuses if it is to miss out on the top four.
“At the start of the year, we knew the East/West group (which Endeavour Hills is in) was the hardest,” he said.
“Williamstown has been by far the best team in the competition over the last few years and even the travel (has been a factor).
“Travelling over to the west takes a lot out of you.”
The Hills takes on Melton at MacPherson Park in a Saturday-Sunday encounter from 1pm on both days.
