Tara Murray
Sydenham-Hillside’s Cameron West is putting early claims as the recruit of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division off season.
West made his second 100 in as many innings on Saturday, to help the Storm put on a strong total against Keilor.
Storm president Bob Kunesevic said while they’d had a lot of changes in the off season, it wasn’t reflecting on the field.
He said they were also working well on field.
“It has been good and the boys are gelling well and look like they’ve played together for a couple of years,” he said.
“Cam is off to a flier. He has fitted in so well and is a legend of a bloke and is doing all the extra things.
“He’s doing the work and is happy to be part of the group.”
The addition of West, Anthony Barton, Sanka Abeyruwan and Tallan Wright has added more depth to the Storm’s batting line.
Barton, who missed round one, made his debut for the club on Saturday.
After being sent in, the Storm made 385, bowled out in the second last over.
Kunesevic said it was exciting to see what the line up can do.
“Anthony coming in at number four means Gashan [Weerasekara] can bat at number six.
“He made 500 runs last year and that was his lowest score. To have someone like that in the middle order is really good.
“He is underrated.”
West made 153 at the top of the order, while Barton made 51 and Weerasekara made 50.
Kunesevic said knowing the side that they are facing they were happy to have put that total on the board.
“I rate Keilor really highly,” he said. “This game isn’t done by any means and we know what they can do.
“The job is only half done.”
Coming off a grand final in its first season in the VTCA top flight, Kunesevic said they stick to the process that has worked so well for them.
“Our first goal is to avoid relegation and how many games that will take.
“We work hard for finals and if we slot in there we look to press. We don’t look too far ahead.
“Deer Park is a quality side, Yarraville Club is quality and we know Keilor will be a good side this year.
“It will be a really tight competition this year.”
Meanwhile in the Roy Picone Shield, Caroline Springs is in trouble in its run chase against Gellibrand.
The Falcons restricted Gellibrand to 167 off 59 overs. It was then a tough start with the bat for the Falcons, who were 3-18 at stumps.
In the Evans-Clark Shield, Melton South Royals are 1-62 in reply to Footscray Angliss’ 168.
In the Russell Pollock Shield, Melton Centrals made 260 against Williamstown Congs, while Burnside Springs United had a bye.
