A coaching change has done little to halt the Melton South Royals run in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Evans-Clark Shield.
The Royals sit atop the table after nine rounds, undefeated and playing some good cricket.
Despite the results on field, the Royals decided to part ways with coach Adam Miller over the Christmas break.
Royals president Paul Davies said they thought the time was right to make the decision.
“As a committee we made the decision what we thought was the best for the club moving forward not only this season, but into next season.”
Davies said they were happy with the results this season, with their second XI now starting to get some wins on the board as well.
In the first XI, things couldn’t be going much better.
“It is exciting to see the pleasing results that have gone so far this season,” he said. “Everyone in the firsts have done their part and we want to make sure we keep on the winning path.”
On Saturday, the Royals easily accounted for Roxburgh Park in a one-dayer.
The Falcons were sent in and bowled out for just 101 in the 31st over.
Zaid Hirani took 5-40 for the Royals.
Davies said the most pleasing thing for them was the batting performance. The Royals batters at times this season have lost clumps of wickets and made the task harder for the bowlers.
The Royals lost just two wickets in the run chase, finishing 2-102.
“Our batsmen did what they needed to and only two wickets down,” he said.
“Our bowlers have done the job all season. Our batsmen got the job done.”
Leigh Edwards top scored with 50 not out for the Panthers.
Davies said despite the good position the side finds itself in, they weren’t looking too far ahead.
“We’ll take it one week at a time,” he said. “We have a couple of tough games coming up and hopefully we’ll get through those and consolidate our spot at the top of the ladder.”
Elsewhere, Sydenham-Hillside got another win in the senior division competition.
Facing Airport West St Christophers, the Storm made 188 with Gayashan Weerasekara top scoring with 40.
The Eagles fell well short, bowled out for 104. Sanka Ramesh Abeyruwan took four wickets.
In the Roy Picone Shield, Caroline Springs bounced back and got a big win against East Keilor.
East Keilor was bowled out for 117 with the Falcons making the runs two down, finishing 2-118.
Meanwhile in the Russell Pollock Shield, Burnside Springs United had a big win over Barkly Street Uniting, while Melton Centrals lost to Pascoe Vale Central.
