Gulls gliding toward two-day finals

DESPITE a thrilling victory against rival Anglesea, third-placed Barwon Heads is determined to improve its game in the lead-up to the Bellarine Cricket Association A1 two-day finals.

With a top-four spot sewn up a month out, the Seagulls are still in the hunt for a home semi-final.

Seventh-ranked Drysdale is their next assignment, starting on Saturday at Barwon Heads.

Captain-coach Dan Donaldson said cleaner fielding would be a focus for the reigning premier.

“We pride ourselves on our fielding and we dropped one or two catches against Anglesea and we were made to pay for that,” he said. “So it’s about tidying up a few of those little misfields and dropped catches.”

Barwon Heads reeled in Anglesea’s 9-191 with 8-192 from 74 overs last weekend.

It came after they lost a one-dayer to Anglesea in January.

Following on from Brent McMinn’s 3-34 in week one, opening batters Jaxon Mallett (38) and Max Melzer (43) set up the victory.

Donaldson praised Tom Beasley’s brilliant off-spin bowling display for Anglesea which put the Gulls under pressure.

Beasley took 6-77 from 31 overs.

In round 13’s other clashes, Anglesea hosts Jan Juc, Armstrong Creek has Barrabool, Barwon Heads welcomes Drysdale and Ocean Grove battles Queenscliff.

Fourth-placed Barrabool and fifth-ranked Jan Juc are battling for a top-four spot.

BY BRIAN ALLEN