By Tara Murray
Sydenham-Hillside is in a strong position after day one of its match against St Andrews in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Charles Clark Shield division 4.
The Storm was sent in and made the most of good conditions, making 9-294 from its overs.
Storm vice-president Warren Hackney said the side was happy with its total.
“We got off to a good start before being shaky in the middle,” he said.
“Ben Green batted really well with the lower order and made 100, which was good reward for him.
“He’s batted well all season and been solid without making a score, but he was able to break through.”
Hackney, who has been playing in the first XI in recent weeks, said the Storm was confident of recording its fourth victory of the season.
“It’s going to be warm during the week and it’s a pretty defendable score,” he said. “We’ve got a good bowling attack, as well.”
Photo Gallery: Sydenham-Hillside vs St Andrews
After a slow start to the season, the Storm is in the top four.
Hackney said it had taken some time to
adjust to a new coaching group and player additions.
West Indian import Dane Currency and Peter Magafas are co-coaches this season, with Magafas captaining the first XI side.
Both have had an impact since taking on the roles.
“It was a sluggish start with a few new faces and it took time to gel,” Hackney said
“With the new coaching group it has taken a period of adjustment.
“We’ve seen some signs that it’s starting to happen, and hopefully that can continue on and we make finals.
“Dane has been great and a really strong leader and his bowling has been excellent.
“Peter has also brought a lot of experience to the group – and that experience is invaluable.”
Hackney said things were looking good for the club, with three of its five senior sides sitting in finals positions at the halfway point of the season.
The club’s women’s side, which is chasing back-to-back premierships, sits atop the VTCA women’s competition ladder.
In other division 4 matches, Caroline Springs was unable to bat out the day against Grand United.
The fifth-placed Falcons made 181 as they were bowled out with eight overs remaining in the day.
Grand United had to face five overs before stumps, finishing 0-12.
In the Russell Pollock Shield division 5 competition, Melton South Royals have already claimed first-innings points against Williamstown Colts.
The Royals bowled the Colts out for 35 before declaring at 5-154 in their first innings. The Colts are 2-69 in their second innings.
Melton Centrals need quick wickets on day two against Gellibrand.
Centrals were bowled out for 113, with Gellibrand 3-70 at stumps.
MORE VTCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/st-albans-march-on-to-another-victory/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/poor-shots-prove-costly-for-keilor/
