Tara Murray
Melton Centrals’ season is well and truly back on track in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5.
After a tough start in their return to division 5, Centrals have won their last four matches to be the in-form team in the competition and now sitting a game outside the top four.
Coach Kieran Bensley said things had started to click.
“We’re getting good games by guys and the season is now looking alright,” he said.
“We’re had a few guys hitting runs and getting a few partnerships and then other guys getting wickets.
“The fielding has been good and we’re just sort of clicking. We’ve had a pretty consistent team as well.”
Bensley said it took some time to get used to playing at this level again, but things had improved since the start of the season.
The addition of two Sri Lankan imports this season had also helped the team.
Centrals managed to get the points against Wyndhamvale on Saturday in a low-scoring affair.
The first of the two-day matches, the match ended up being a one-dayer due to some issues with Centrals’ home ground.
Bensley said while they were looking forward to playing two-day cricket, the two sides weren’t overly disappointed with day one played in hot conditions.
After being sent in, Centrals were bowled out for just 89 in the 23rd over. Bensley said it was a disappointing innings.
“From our end, a lot of our guys got themselves out, getting caught or being bowled going for silly shots,” he said.
“Both teams bowled well and there was a little bit in the pitch, but it wasn’t overly one-sided.”
Hashan Chamara top scored with 19.
Centrals’ bowlers stepped up to get their side across the line, bowling Wyndhamvale out for 66.
Warren Haffenden took four wickets for Centrals.
Bensley said finals was the aim for the side after the last few rounds.
“We need to get back to putting those runs on the board and get back to what we’ve been doing the last few games,” he said.
“We want to be in the top four and in the place to play finals. It’s been a couple of years since we have and it’s good to be back in the picture.”
Another side keen to play finals in division 5 is the Melton South Royals, who had a big win against Seabrook on Saturday.
Defending 8-331, the Royals bowled Seabrook out for 191. Eager to try for an outright win, the Royals sent Seabrook back in.
Seabrook was 5-68 when the game was called. The Royals sit in third position with seven wins.
Burnside Springs suffered a loss to Jacana.
Chasing the Jaguars 181, Burnside was bowled out for 171.
Burnside sits in ninth spot with three wins.
In division 1, ladder leaders Sydenham-Hillside beat Altona North, while in division 3, Caroline Springs beat Pascoe Vale Hadfield.
