FOOTSCRAY Edgewater faces an uphill task to reach the Victorian Premier Cricket finals after a heartbreaking four-run loss to Hawthorn-Monash University in a one-dayer at Merv Hughes Oval on Saturday.
Having made a number of large totals before Christmas, the Bulldogs would have been confident of chasing down the target of 228 set by the Hawks, a score that would have been even less attainable but for the tight bowling of Shane Jones (4-29) and Andrew McCammond (2-15).
But the Bulldogs fell agonisingly short, losing their final wicket in the 49th over.
Dean Russ was the only recognised Bulldogs batsman to make a lasting impression. The opener blasted 69 off 78 balls, including 10 fours.
The Bulldogs meet St Kilda on the road in a must-win two-dayer starting on Saturday.
Firsts: Footscray Edgewater 223 (Russ 69 Oldridge 26) lt Hawthorn-Monash University 9-227 (Jones 4-29 McCammond 2-15).
Seconds: Hawthorn-Monash University 8-209 (Dredge 2-43) lt Footscray Edgewater 1-212 (Barton 101no Sheehan 81no).
Thirds: Footscray Edgewater 9-134 (Gudde 27) lt Hawthorn Monash University 158 (Smillie 3-22 Crea 2-20).
Fourths: Hawthorn-Monash University 7-189 (Glowacki 2-27 Niklas 2-33) d Footscray Edgewater 8-188 (Higgins 84 Allada 29).
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