By Tara Murray
Melton South Royals did what they had to do to get the points against Jacana in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 Russell Pollock Shield.
It wasn’t the Royals cleanest or best performance of the season, but they did enough to come away with a 50 run win against the Jaguars.
Royals captain-coach Matthew Kozole said the boys did what they needed to with the bat, to make 5-228 from their 40 overs.
“It was a good score on a really good wicket,” he said.
“There wasn’t much movement for the bowlers and minimal assistance for the spinners.
“They did what they needed to do with the bat.”
Dean Pirro was the star of the show, making 138 not out.
Kozole said the century was a reward for all the hard work that Pirro had put in throughout the whole season.
“He batted really well and it was a really good effort,” he said.
“Everyone contributed something. The idea was to get the strike to Dean as he was in form with the bat, so we pushed for singles and rotated the strike.”
The Royals were able to restrict Jacana to 9-179 from their overs.
Kozole said their performance in the field was only about 75 per cent of what it needed to be.
He said they were able to get crucial wickets to halt partnerships when they needed them.
PHOTO GALLERY: Jacana vs Melton South Royals
“We dropped three or four catches that we should have taken,” he said. “We need to lift if we’re to push for finals.”
Zenith Wickremanayaka and Matthew O’Brien took three wickets each for the Royals.
A win and shock loss for Sunshine YCW to Sanctuary Lakes has seen the Royals move to the top of the table.
Just 10 points separates the top six teams.
Kozole said while they were happy with the season so far, the hard work was only just beginning.
“We’ve got a couple of good sides coming up the next couple of rounds,” he said.
“We’re setting our sights on those two games to set up back end of the year.
“If we can get one win, almost lock up a finals spot and we can push for top spot from there.
“The season starts now for us.”
Kozole said they still have two players to come back into the side, which would give them a selection headache.
The Royals are hosting a fundraiser next Saturday during their game with Gellibrand, to raise money for those affected by the East Gippsland bushfires.
The club is still after sporting memorabilia or other items for its auction. Anyone interested in donating can contact the club.
In division 4, Melton Centrals got its third win of the season, beating Wyndhamvale.
The Falcons made 8-117 from their overs, with Waduwidanalage Rangika taking three wickets for Centrals.
Centrals made the runs with four overs remaining, finishing 5-118.
Caroline Springs lost to Grand United. The Falcons were bowled out for 119, with Grand United making 6-120 in reply.
In division 3, Sydenham-Hillside defeated East Keilor. Sydenham made 151 before bowling East Keilor out for 130.
