By Tara Murray
Melton Centrals are finally starting to find their groove in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4 Charles Clark Shield competition.
After one win in the first seven rounds, Centrals have now won their last three matches and moved into finals contention.
Centrals skipper Adam Hulett said there were a number of factors that contributed to the slow start, but they were happy with how things were now going.
“We’re clicking and we’ve found the balance,” he said. “We’ve got things going.”
“We’re putting things together and we’ve got a few more wins. There’s only three more games left.
“We would like to win those three remaining games.”
On Saturday, Centrals beat bottom side East Coburg in the last of the one-dayers.
Centrals batted first and put up a strong 9-198 from their 40 overs.
Hulett said they were really happy with that total.
“The pitch was really up and down,” he said. “Winning the toss, it’s always a gamble to bat first, but it paid off.
“On a wicket like that, the batsmen really have to do their job. It’s more about partnerships in the middle overs and not losing clumps of wickets.
“They really put a price on their wickets.”
Ross Caldera top scored with 65 at the top of the order with contributions throughout the innings.
The bowlers backed up the batsmen, bowling East Coburg out for 118. “The opening bowlers bowled to a specific plan,” Hulett said.
“We implemented that last season and it’s carrying through to this season and they executed it really well.
“The change bowlers picked up where the opening bowlers left off.” Kieran Bensley and Hashn James took three wickets.
Pending a disaster, Centrals have done enough to stay up in division 4 for at least a second season.
PHOTO GALLERY: East Coburg vs Melton Centrals
Sitting seventh and just three points outside the top four, Centrals instead have an eye on finals.
Hulett said they found the biggest difference was more consistency across what is an even competition.
He said they would love to play finals, but aren’t getting too far ahead of themselves.
“We have to win every game if we’re to play finals,” he said.
“We play three teams inside the top four and they are all tough games. Hopefully we are good enough to make finals after a slow start.
“We lost one or two close matches, hopefully they don’t come back to bite us.”
Caroline Springs also remains in the finals mix, sitting sixth, percentage ahead of Centrals.
On Saturday, the Falcons beat Maribyrnong Park St Marys. Maribyrnong made 164 after being bowled out with an over remaining.
The Falcons took their time, getting the job down with eight balls remaining, making 4-165. Ben Cusick top scored with 52 not out.
In division 3, second placed Sydenham-Hillside beat East Keilor. The Storm’s 151 was enough as they bowled East Keilor out for 130.
In division 5, Melton South Royals slipped from top spot with a loss to Gellibrand. The Royals now sit fourth.
