Harper Sercombe
Grand United is on its way to being 3-0 to start the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara season.
The Gorillas are half way through their round four two-day clash against the Greenvale Kangaroos and are in a good position.
After being sent in to bat in favourable bowling conditions, it was always going to be a struggle with both openers falling for under 10.
The Gorillas were able to respond and managed to push the score past 200.
“It was one of those days where probably not a lot went right for us but we still managed to get to 225,” Gorillas coach Sam Crea said.
“It was a real positive for us after getting rolled for 97 the week before.
“We battled hard, we had some good partnerships, a few of the boys probably went out when we were looking to extend the game and put Greenvale on the back foot.
“But they bowled really well, bowled in good partnerships, it was an even day, we’re quite happy with 225 but we definitely felt like we left a few runs out there.
“We’re happy if we can make 200 most weeks, par is probably generous, we would’ve liked a few more runs but it’s something to bowl on that’s for sure.”
However, when Leniko Bouchef and Hashan James came in at first and second drop, the Gorillas’ innings got on its way.
“They’re our class bats, we’re looking for them to make a bulk of our runs,” Crea said.
“Leniko, coming from Barbados where he’s from, he’s led the way in training and we were really wrapped for him to get 81 but he was disappointed and we were disappointed for him, we were hoping he could go on and make a big score.
“They put on nearly 100 and in the situation of the game it was a really crucial partnership that we needed.”
The Gorillas were bowled out for 225 in the 74th over. Boucher top scored with 81.
With Greenvale already 1-7, the path to victory is clear for the Gorillas.
“We’ve got a pretty simple philosophy, bowl tight, bowl to your areas,” Crea said.
“Even if wickets aren’t coming from your end as long as you’re bowling tight areas and getting dots, that’s our philosophy to winning and the wickets will come when they come.”
If the Gorillas were to knock the Kangaroos over on Saturday it would be a dream beginning to their time in the McNamara Shield.
The side came up after winning the Roy Piccone Shield last season.
“Coming up a division we knew that there was going to be some challenges,” Crea said.
“We’re improving each week and are really happy with how everything’s going at the moment.”
In other matches, Keilor Park is starring down defeat against Williamstown CYMS. The CYs are 3-101 in reply to 114.
