Tara Murray
Melton South Royals are loving playing on their home deck in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5.
After having to play away in recent seasons and share Melton Centrals’ home ground due to no turf wicket at Melton Recreation Reserve, the Royals are finally back at their home ground on game day.
Royals president Paul Davies said this moment had been years in the making and something they had been looking forward to.
“It is really good,” he said. “It’s been good to get a couple of wins on the home deck as well.
“We now have an identity in the Melton community again. Our twos are playing at home now as well, it gives us the ability to provide a club that is fully inclusive with turf being played at our ground.
“I think both clubs [Royals and Centrals] are very happy we now have our own wicket in Melton.”
After a first round loss on the road, the Royals have won their first two matches on their home deck, while their second XI also opened up with a win at home.
On Saturday, the first XI faced Donnybrook at home.
The Royals got the job done with the ball, bowling Donnybrook out for 115 in the 33rd over.
Sameera Vithana took 5-18 off his overs to be the pick of the bowlers for the Royals.
The Royals were in trouble early and were sitting at 4-34.
The middle order was able to steady and rescue the innings. They got the job done with ease, finishing 4-118 in the 34th over.
Andrew Hodgart (35 not out) and Sachika Udara (32 not out) were the ones to get the side across the line.
With the side now sitting with two wins from three matches, Davies said they were happy with where they were placed.
“It’s a real positive for the team and the club to build some great momentum heading into Christmas,” he said.
“With all the one-dayers you have to bank wins early on before we get into the two-day game post Christmas.”
Davies said with a very different side to the last time they played two-day cricket, he wasn’t sure how they would go, but said all the guys they had got into the club had shown they could play both formats.
In other results, Melton Centrals and Burnside Springs remain win less.
Centrals lost to big improvers Jacana.
The Jaguars were bowled out for 185 with Hashan Chamara taking five wickets for Centrals.
Centrals were bowled out for 109 in reply in the 37th over.
Chathura Jayanath top scored with 47 as just two players reached double figures.
Burnside Springs was easily accounted for by Sunshine YCW. Burnside was bowled out for 33, with no one reaching double figures.
Sunshine YCW made the runs with ease, finishing 0-34.
In division 1, Sydenham-Hillside has continued its perfect start to the season, beating Altona North.
The Storm made 5-231 before restricting Altona North to 9-206.
In division 3, Caroline Springs match with Pascoe Vale Hadfield didn’t go ahead due to weather.
