Melton South Primary School Cricket Club teammates knew once things clicked, the wins would start flowing for them in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s west A1 division.
The Royals have had just one win, at Christmas and courtesy of a forfeit, but they knew they had a better side than that.
Signs things were turning their way showed through in the first round after the Christmas break, but they weren’t able to get another win.
Last round, they backed up against Seabrook and got the win they wanted.
And on Saturday, they made it two wins from as many matches, trumping top-four side Williamstown Imperials.
Defending 161, the Royals bowled the Imperials out for 102, and were 1-40 in their second innings when stumps were called.
Royals’ skipper Blake Ivory said it was satisfying to get results for all the hard work they’d been putting in.
“It reassured us the things we’ve been working towards have been working,” he said.
“We’ve got some reward for efforts, and know that we aren’t that far off. They are a top four side, and we still have a lot of room for improvement.”
Ivory said despite making just 161, they thought the score would be a competitive one.
“It was a pretty slow pitch that was keeping low,” he said. “Another 20 to 30 runs to defend would have been ideal. We had them 1-11 overnight, which was a huge bonus.
“We got a few wickets and bowled really well. We thought, if we stuck at it, things would fall our way.”
Despite two straight wins, the Royals’ finals hopes are only mathematical. Ivory said continuing the efforts they’ve been putting in the last few weeks is the focus.
“We have two games left, and we can win both of them,” he said. “Finals aren’t within reach, so it’s about the things we’ve been working on … we’re not that far way. We just need to be more consistent, as there’s a big gap between our good and bad.”
The Royals are set to have three of their five teams in finals.
In other west A1 results, Melton Centrals remain in the top two despite not taking to the field. County West forfeited for the second time this season, handing the Centrals a win.
In north A1, Sydenham/Hillside proved too good for Aberfeldie Park. Chasing 7-251, the Sharks made 7-262 in reply. The win moves the Sharks into the top four.
Bottom side Caroline Springs had another tough match, losing to East Coburg. The Falcons total of 93 was never going to be enough. East Coburg cruised to a 100-run win, finishing 6-193.
