Containing Melton Centrals recruit Andrew Cristofaro is proving to be one of the bigger challenges of this Williamstown District Cricket Association season.
After three rounds, the gun all-rounder sits on top of the A-turf competition’s leading run-scorers’ list, 50 ahead of his nearest rival.
And with six scalps, he’s fifth on the wicket-takers list.
PICTURE GALLERY: Melton Centrals v Williamstown Colts
Despite dropping their first game, Centrals have bounced back with big wins against Gellibrand and Melton South in the past two rounds. Melton Centrals drew with Williamstown Colts in the Williamstown & District Cricket Association at Blackwood Reserve.
Meanwhile, Melton Centrals first XI captain Adam Hulett is full of praise for Cristofaro.
“He’s made a fair impact,” he said.
“He got five wickets in the second game and I think he’s made a 50 in each of his first three matches.
“He was playing Sub-District cricket at Melton. He played for us five or six years ago and is a pretty handy inclusion to have back.”
On the back of Cristofaro’s dominance, Melton has enjoyed a strong start to the new season.
Also starring for the club has been the now-fully fit Matthew Murphy.
The opening bowler’s impact was limited last season because of a knee injury, but he’s making up for lost time with nine wickets from just two matches.
Hulett is happy with the balance across his side in both batting and bowling.
“Matthew has been really good,” he said. “He didn’t bowl too much last year and to have him up and running this year has been great. He’s back to bowling quick again, which is a great bonus.
“We haven’t been bowled out yet this year, which I think says a bit about our batting.
“At the same time, we’re bowling teams out, so I guess it’s just a good balance of both.”
Centrals are currently fourth on the A-turf ladder, while their B-turf side is fifth.
With both teams in the finals mix, Hulett is expecting competition to be fierce for berths for the rest of the season.
“There are always going to be guys putting pressure on for spots,” he said.
“We’ve had quite a few of our ones and twos out for the start of the season and as we gradually get players back it strengthens teams down the line.
“Basically, you start the season with the aim to make the top four and play finals.
“Obviously, it’s a bit more realistic now we have played a few games and we know what we’re up against.”
