Consistency is bringing results for Melton South Royals in Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s west A1 competition.
The Royals have been strong with both the bat and ball early in the season, something they’ve struggled with in the past.
Their new-found consistency couldn’t have been more evident on Saturday on day one against Footscray ANA, with the Royals claiming first innings points.
The bowlers did a demolition job bowling out Footscray ANA for just 54.
Royals’ president Paul Davies said the whole bowling group performed well. Matt Kozole took 4-12 and he was backed up by James Robertson with 2-3 and Josh Evans with 2-18.
The Royals wasted no time with the bat, making 5-157, before declaring and leaving Footscray to face four overs at the end of the day.
Davies said after trying to get an outright win last week and not having success, they were keen to get one this week.
“Paul’s [Hetherington] idea was to get to 100 in front and then put them back in to try and get a couple of wickets.
“We’ve got every chance to get an outright win this week.”
Nathan Waites top-scored with 57, while Hetherington chipped in with 44 not out.
A win would be the Royals second for the season.
Davies said they could have easily won both their first two games if they had taken their chances in the field.
He said the biggest thing early on had been not only consistency, but everyone sharing the workload. “It hasn’t just been left up to one or two players,” he said. “It’s been an even contribution and getting performances from both our bowlers and batsmen.
“It’s something we lacked until the end of last season when we got on a roll.”
It was a good day for the Royals second side which made 8-189, also against Footscray ANA.
Jason Hibbert in his first second XI game and first turf game, finished 86 not out after coming in at 2-15.
In other west A1 games, Melton Centrals made 161 against Seabrook. Steven Robertson top-scored for Centrals with 51. Seabrook will resume at 1-9. Grant McDonald has the wicket.
In north A1, Caroline Springs had a good day with the bat against Sunshine. After slumping to 3-25, the Falcons recovered to be 3-130. They then lost frequent wickets, before the tail responded, putting on 54 for the last two partnerships. Sunshine will resume at 1-19.
Sydenham-Hillside will resume at 1-15 against Flemington, which made 162.
Kaluwahandi Prasad took four wickets for the Sharks.
