Winning streak

FOR the first time in three years, Endeavour Hills has a winning record.
The Victorian Sub-District team toppled the in-form Kingston Saints at Walter Galt Reserve for its second win of the season to move to a 2-1-1 record.
Led by Ben Law and Shane Peake, the Hills reached 184 before bowling out the Saints for 110 to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since 2009.
The win propels the Hills to within a small percentage of the top four, but coach John Hayes is happy for no one to notice. “We’re in a pretty good position, but no one rates us,” Hayes said. “I’m more than happy to be the underdog. If no one rates us, that’s fine, we’ll just keep doing what we have to do.”
Electing to bat first, the Hills’ first innings got off to a flyer with ‘bowling’ all-rounder Ben Law making 60 runs at the unusual position of opening batter.
The “man-mountain”, as Hayes describes the Hills’ opener, struck an imposing figure at the crease while batting partner Justin Merlino (24) stuck around to form a healthy first-wicket partnership.
After a mini-collapse, man-of-the-match Shane Peake reclaimed control of the innings with a steadying 34 and took the total past 160 before being bowled by part-timer Matthew Hawley.
“Our pass mark was to score 160,” Hayes said.
Despite a shaky start with the ball, strike bowlers Danny Evans (3/20) and Chris Pereira (0/26) eventually found their rhythm, but it was Peake who did the damage.
Peake claimed five wickets and a run out as he teamed up with Hayes (1/14) to steal seven wickets while conceding only 31 runs.
It was a dominant display over a Saints batting line-up that only a week ago defeated last year’s premiers, Malvern.
The Hills’ winning streak will be tested over the next fortnight as they take on the undefeated Caulfield in a two-dayer at home. – Gavin Staindl