Hills hit hard by loss

By Gavin Staindl
AFTER an uplifting win last week over Croydon, sub-district side Endeavour Hills has been shut down by Bundoora at A. K. Line Reserve.
The Hills were sent in on a damp wicket and could only conjure 110 before Bundoora walked off at the end of the day’s play at 0/77, trailing by only 33 runs.
According to coach John Hayes, Endeavour Hills were “no good” as the top order again failed to have an impact.
On a damp pitch, Neil Peake (35) and John Hayes (18) were the best of the top order and if it was not for some fortuitous batting by the tail, Endeavour Hills may have been defending an outright victory already.
The situation is still ominous for the Hills who must take all 10 wickets while reducing the second best side in the league to only 33 runs.“We haven’t been a strong side in bowling teams out,” admits Hayes. Not knowing whether his opponents will bat out the day or go hard, Hayes will be left making reactionary decisions. “They could either bat the day out or play really aggressive and get some more runs in which case it is game on again,” said Hayes.
Although their performance was sub-standard, Hayes believes that the yardstick of the Sub-District competition could have been knocked off.
“They are beatable. We had some shocker decisions … we dropped Andrew Bennet (44 not out) at extra cover on 15 or 20 … (and) there is no reason why we could not have made a much higher score. If they are the yardstick then we’re not too far behind,” said Hayes.