EAST Albury has made it four wins in as many games in what’s quickly turning into the fairytale story of the competition.
Until the team’s win against Albury in round 9 the Crows hadn’t won a game but have since defeated Albury, St Patrick’s, Wodonga and, after yesterday at Alexandra Park, Belvoir in consecutive matches.
“We just keep surprising ourselves,” skipper Joel Shepherd said.
“This was pretty much our grand final in terms of getting out of the relegation zone.”
The Crows won the toss on Saturday and sent Belvoir in to bat.
Led by wicketkeeper Nat Sariman, who made 98 not out, Belvoir went on to post 255.
The team’s total would have been higher had it not been for the Crows’ English recruit Tom Wells who finished with 5-51 off 18 overs.
But just like last round against Wodonga when it successfully chased 253, East Albury was up to the challenge, reaching the tea break at 3-90 and still looking good at 4-120.
With 20 overs remaining the Crows needed 100 runs off 20 overs — but it took only 13 overs.
Young gun Connor Kilpatrick hit 86 off 46 balls including several big sixes.
He was supported by Shepherd who continued his good form with 47, and Nick Hanlon chipped in with 37.
East Albury faces Lavington next week before taking on North Albury in the final game of the regular season.
Shepherd said finals were still a possibility.
“Everyone has been telling us that, technically, we can still make finals,” he said.
At Les Cheesley Oval Wodonga got over the line against Lavington in a thriller to keep its finals hopes alive.
A 141-run knock from Bulldogs skipper Robbie Jackson saved his team.
Chasing 284 for victory Wodonga looked in control at 4-210.
On reaching his century, Jackson chose not to raise his bat to acknowledge the applause.
He was dismissed for 141 but his team needed only four runs with two wickets in hand.