YOU can't judge a cricket pitch by its appearance. Top-of-the-table Keilor was found guilty of that on day one of its clash with Tullamarine in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association north division at Keilor on Saturday.
The Blues had no hesitation choosing to bowl after seeing clouds overhead and a pitch tinged with green.
They believed it to be a potent combination for their bowlers to take advantage of and that it would spell doom for Tullamarine's top order.
But Blues coach Nigel Freebairn said things did not exactly go to plan.
"It turned out to be a bit of a fool's paradise. The wicket didn't play as anticipated. It played fairly benignly and was a good batting wicket."
Tullamarine's top order batted with patience.
The risk-free start provided a rock-solid foundation for a competitive 221 off 73.5 overs.
"We can take a bit out of their innings," Freebairn said.
"They made a fairly pedestrian start but it gave them a good platform. If we can bat 80 overs next week - we'll win."
Matt Willmott had the biggest impact of the Keilor bowlers with 4-27.
The conditions, Freebairn said, suited his left arm swing bowler.
"It was a good swinger's wicket with cloud cover and grass on the wicket."
The Blues survived the last six overs of the day to be 0-11 and need another 211 runs for victory.
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