Tara Murray
Early signs are strong for Deer Park as its new-look line up has hit the ground running in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
The defending champions were one of the biggest movers in the off season and their stars are shining brightly early.
On Saturday, the Lions made it two from two with a big win against Craigieburn.
Lions coach Mick Andriadis said everything had been good so far.
“Everyone has gelled pretty good,” he said. “ We have a big game this week against Yarraville Club.
“We want to try and duplicate last season, getting wins as quickly as we can. It gives you a bit of breathing space with everyone chasing extra points late in the season.”
On Saturday, the Lions narrowly missed out on getting an outright win against Craigieburn.
Having made 9-299, the Lions had the Eagles in trouble at 3-21.
The Eagles were bowled out for 154 in their first innings. The Lions sent them back in looking for the full 10 points.
The Eagles fought hard, finishing 8-87.
Andriadis said it was disappointing not to get the outright win, but pleasing they put themselves in the position to do so with wickets hard to come in other matches on Saturday.
“Craigieburn was good,” he said. “In the end we had about 10 overs to get two wickets and we weren’t able to get one.
“That was disappointing as we had a chance from nothing going right early in the day.”
Fawad Ahmed was the key for the Lions in the first innings, taking 6-43 after the Eagles batted well early on day two.
In the second innings the Lions shared the wickets with Upul Bandara taking three wickets.
Andriadis said the most pleasing thing out of the game was the breakout innings from Lachlan Fitzgerald, who has returned to the club this season.
The Lions now face Yarraville Club, which is also undefeated.
Andriadis said it would be a good test and he expected the Clubbers to be around the top of the table as well.
Overall he said the vibe was really good at the club.
In other matches, Sydenham-Hillside was too good for St Albans.
The Saints were defending 167, which Storm easily chased down as it finished 5-197. The Saints finished 1-109 in their second innings
Keilor lost a final over thriller to Westmeadows.
Having made 8-221, the Blues took the game to the final over. The Warriors hit the winning runs with four balls remaining, finishing 8-222.
Sunshine United had a tough day in the field against Yarraville Club.
The Clubbers finished 1-296 in reply to the Tigers 204.
