Harper Sercombe
Following a shaky start Caroline Springs was able to get itself back in a winning position against Maribyrnong Park on Saturday afternoon in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3.
The Falcons were sent in to bat for the first innings of the two day clash and were in trouble early.
Sri Lankan test captain Dimuth Karunarathne was disappointing in his first match for his new club, opening the batting and was caught behind for just two runs.
The wickets kept coming for the Falcons, getting to seven down for around 100 runs.
However, a clutch eighth wicket partnership between Daniel Le-Paez and Gavin McCallum saved the innings, with the Falcons being bowled out for 212 with three overs of play remaining.
McCallum top scored with 76 while Le-Paez made a 39 from 141 balls.
“From the position that we were in, it wasn’t looking good, but we were fortunate that Gav and Daniel put on a 100 run partnership that has gotten us to 212,” skipper Shiran Rajakaruna said.
“Now we’ve got a good chance of defending that total with our bowling attack.
“This is the second time we’ve shown the level of depth we have in our team, we’ve done it two games in a row.
“When the top order’s failed the bottom order has stabilised and got us into a position where we can definitely try to defend it with the ball.
“The wicket played a lot better than I thought it would.
“It broke up really quickly which we’ll be mindful of if we end up playing there again.
“At the end of the day I don’t think they expected us to get 212 from the position we were in.
This week the Falcons will be bowling to keep their undefeated streak running, something that Rajakaruna is confident his side can do. As well as finishing the match, the Falcons will play in a one-dayer on Sunday,
“We’re going to focus on what we do well and that is just the basics and being consistent with our line and length,” he said.
“We don’t stray away from our game plans, we stick to our gameplans and we execute.
“It’s just the simple things that we focus on, I don’t give complex game plans to my bowlers, just stick to your channels, bowl to your channels and allow them to make a mistake.”
With both sides three and zip to start the season, Saturday’s result could define much of the season to come.
“This is going to be a measuring stick for the season, playing against the top team,” Rajakaruna said.
“So this will really give us an indication of where we are at.
“I don’t think we’re performing at 100 per cent as a team either, so there is still growth that’s going to come out of the Caroline Springs Cricket Club this year.
“It’s a good part of the journey so far, there’s so much potential that is still untapped.”
But before the second half of the round five clash wraps up, the Falcons will play a T20 against Sunbury on Tuesday evening.
“Any extra time that is spent in the middle of the wicket is what we want, more time for our bats regardless of what the format is, because spending time in the middle builds confidence,” Rajakaruna said.
