Tara Murray
Things have gone to plan so far for Deer Park in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1.
Deer Park sits atop the ladder heading into the second half of the season, having won all six of their games.
Despite losing six points due to playing an ineligible player, Deer Park sits six points clear on top.
Deer Park coach Mick Andriadis said they were happy with their start to the season.
“So far, so good,” he said. “It has been a good start, but we’re not surprised as we obviously have a good squad.
“We’ve added a bit more experience and we’ve been well led by captain Ricky Suvada.”
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic hanging over the season, Andriadis knows that early wins on the board are important.
He said they would have had five players missing for the first round back after the break, had it not been cancelled due to wet weather leaving grounds unplayable.
“We are doing our best to manage the situation and who knows what is around the corner,” he said.
“We had a bit of luck with the match being cancelled. When you’re playing well and confident, sometimes luck comes your way.
“We’ve got a bit of a head start on a few of the good sides who are sitting third, fourth and fifth.”
Andriadis said there had been a really good spread of performances across the board with players standing up when they were called upon.
He said the side had really grown under the captaincy of Suvada.
“Ricky’s leadership has been good,” he said.
”Hashan Wanasekara is leading the batting and Lachlan Fitzgerald has improved from last year and at just 15 is one of the leading wicket takers.
“Angelo Emmanuel is our vice-captain and has been batting and bowling well, helping with Rick on match day.
“Alfar Mohammed is starting to hit his straps. The guys like James Leach, Ryan Lockie, Nilochana Perera and Yoshan Kumara, who are batting in the middle order are doing their job every week when they have the chance.”
Deer Park was set to face Airport West St Christophers on Saturday in an important game in the context of the season.
The game was after deadline.
Andriadis said they were keen to stay on the top of the ladder in the second half of the season and secure a home final.
Deer Park is also still alive in the T20 competition after beating two senior division sides in the robin round stage.
“We won the first two games against senior division sides and we’re quietly confident we can win a few.
“Hopefully hold us in good stead for serious stuff on Saturdays.”
