By Tara Murray
Melton Centrals couldn’t have asked for a better first weekend in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 Russell Pollock Shield grand final.
Batting first, Centrals put themselves in a winning position against Aberfeldie Park with two days remaining.
Centrals’ captain-coach Adam Hulett said his side enjoyed a good weekend.
Centrals batting has been a strong point all season – and that was the case again in the grand final.
Centrals batted for most of the first two days, making 379 in nearly 140 overs.
“We definitely would have taken it at the start of the weekend,” Hulett said.
“We won the toss and elected to bat. The plan was to bat for as long as possible. There’s a compulsory closure of the innings after 160 overs.
“It was an excellent performance with the bat.”
Hulett said the side had an even spread, with a number of players contributing.
Steve Robertson, a standout all season, made 97 and Hashan James made 57. A number of other players made 20s and 30s.
Photo Gallery: Melton Centrals vs Aberfeldie Park
The standout, though, was Connor Poulton, who scored 88.
Hulett said the 16-year-old was impressive.
“He came in the fifth over and was the last man out,” he said.
“He batted for 135 overs. That’s been his role [anchor the innings] all season and he’s the youngest in the team.
“He’s the most mature mind, cricket-wise, in the team. I spoke to him before the game about his role.
“I don’t think many adults could have done what he did.
“If we get over the line, he has contributed a lot to it.”
Aberfeldie Park had 18 overs to face on Sunday afternoon.
It was slow going, with Aberfeldie Park to resume next weekend on 0-29.
Hulett said Centrals had a couple of chances to get an early wicket.
“There were a couple of play and misses and we needed a bit of luck, but that didn’t happen,” he said.
“We’ll back our bowlers in next week to get the wickets.
“There’s still a lot of work to do to get the 10 wickets as quickly as possible.”
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