Hills rolled on final wicket

By Gavin Staindl
A DUBIOUS run-out call during the last ball of Saturday’s game has prevented Sub-District team Endeavour Hills from winning its first match of the season.
Down to its last wicket, Werribee needed one run off the last ball to secure victory and – despite a direct hit from fielder Matt Aslet – the scampering runner was declared safe.
Aslet and the rest of the Hills’ team celebrated thinking the direct hit was good enough for the win but the not-out call left the home team disconsolate.
“It is the first time I’ve even seen them hurt like that,” Endeavour Hills coach John Hayes said.
“They came off the pitch and they were really hurting.
“Direct hits are normally given out and we obviously thought he was out … it was a bit of a dubious decision,” Hayes said.
Endeavour Hills was sent into bat and on a wet deck Hayes (29) and Bihan Weerakoon (34) led the charge on the way to a score of 134.
After struggling to take 10 wickets in an inning last year, the Hills’ bowlers behind Richie Evans (4/20) and Matt Foenander (2/14) took early wickets to restrict Werribee to 4/34.
But a steady middle-order set up the climactic finish.
“Last year we just couldn’t bowl sides out but realistically we took 10 wickets this game and we’re looking like we will have the firepower to bowl teams out.
“I think we’ve turned the corner in that regard.”
Hayes was quick to praise strike-bowler Foenander for his efforts.
Foenander had been in bed sick all week but the British-native toughed it out and according to Hayes is now “one-percent Aussie” for turning up ill and doing his job.
Endeavour Hills next week heads to Sunshine to face the unfamiliar opponent in the first of the season’s two-dayers.