Peak performance

By Gavin Staindl
BERWICK has surpassed all pre-season expectations and risen to the top of the Turf One Dandenong and District Cricket Association ladder.
Berwick, who finished last season in eighth position after losing five of the last six games of the season, has defied public predictions and catapulted to first on the Turf One ladder with a three point lead over Hallam-Kalora Park in second position.
The difference according to Berwick president Rod Allan is the turnaround in close games.
“Last year we had close games that we lost but this time we have won those close games,” Allan said.
Berwick has had three close games this season including a three run win over Doveton in round two and a two wicket victory over Hallam-Kalora Park that was achieved on the third last ball of the day in round one.
“We are gaining a lot more confidence and momentum (from those wins),” said Allan.
But with matches against other top four teams Parkfield and North Dandenong in the next three weeks, Berwick will have to remain on top of their game to remain on top of the ladder.
“We still have got to play good cricket. Our young openers Rowan Purkiss and Josh Holden have been good … and Brad Francis (who has scored 271 runs at an average of 39 this season) has been great for us,” Allan said.
Meanwhile, Hallam-Kalora Park will look to continue their climb up the ladder as they have a favourable run home. In their remaining six matches they play three of the bottom four sides and not once will they face any of the present top four teams. Doveton, which made finals for the first time last year, is sitting ninth with only two wins but can consider itself unlucky not to have a better record.
They lost in the nail-biter against Berwick in round two and have also fallen victim to a two-run loss to Keysborough and a seven-run loss to Parkfield in the round before Christmas. After struggling early in the season, Narre Warren has made amends by winning two of the past three matches and will look to continue its hot streak when it plays lowly Keysborough.