By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs finally opened its account in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4 Charles Clark Shield on Saturday.
Having completed just two matches before the weekend, getting the opportunity to get a win has been rare.
On Saturday though against Melton Centrals, the Falcons were able to overcome a slow start to come away with the win.
Falcons captain Kane Twentyman said it was a good win after they got themselves into the game. “They came out of the blocks hard,” he said.
“Their opening batsman [Waduwidanalage Rangika] hit 68 and was hitting them everywhere.
“A 180 to 220 score was on the cards.”
The wicket of Rangika in the 12th over changed the game and the Falcons were able to steady and work back into the game. Centrals made just another 70 runs as they were restricted to 7-154.
Twentyman said they were happy with that total considering what it looked like early on.
The Falcons were also down an experienced bowler with Kane Sevior having to pull out before the game.
It gave Lucas Blackman and Braedon Mulheran the chance to open the bowler together.
“The young kids stood up,” Twentyman said.
“The two boys open the bowling in the under-17s and on the weekend they opened in the first XI as well.
“Lucas’ first wicket was an absolute peach and he got off to a good start and took 4-40.”
Blackman is the side’s vice captain this year despite his young age.
Twentyman said it was a good experience for him as he starts to take on a bigger role in the first XI.
“We’ve earmarked him as one of our future leaders,” he said.
“He is the captain of the under-17s and it’s a chance to be working closer with him.
PHOTO GALLERY: Caroline Springs vs Melton Centrals
“I run things past him and he raises things as well.”
The Falcons were cruising in their run chase at 2-119 before losing three quick wickets.
Twentyman, who was the third of those wickets, said there were a few nervous moments before they got the job done.
Gayashan Weerasekara top scored with 42.
The win moves the Falcons to sixth on the ladder.
Twentyman said they were hoping to get a bit more cricket in during the second half of the season. A win this round could have them in the top four.
“We’ve never really felt out of it,” he said. “We had only completed two matches which were both against St Andrews, who were on top of the ladder until yesterday. “We have no real feel of where we are at.”
Twentyman said despite the lack of cricket, the feeling was good at the club with the lower grades getting plenty of wins.
Meanwhile in division 5, Melton South Royals had a big win against Sanctuary Lakes.
The Royals bowled Sanctuary Lakes for 110. Matthew O’Brien took five wickets for the Royals.
The Royals made the runs with ease, finishing 2-117. In division 3, Sydenham-Hillside lost to
