Sunshine YCW’s hopes of playing finals suffered a setback on Saturday in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Clark Shield.
Hoping to regain its form of the past couple of seasons, the Cougars suffered a disappointing loss to Sunshine Heights.
The side sits in fifth spot, five points outside the top four.
With matches against two sides in the top six in the run home, the Cougars know they have work to do.
Cougars’ secretary Rory O’Connor said before the weekend’s match they know they are yet to put their best out on the park.
“We haven’t been as good and as consistent as we would have liked,” he said.
“There’ been a plethora of one-dayers [after days washed out] and that hasn’t worked in our favour
“We’ve had some unavailability challenges that have added to it. It’s still really positive within the playing group.”
O’Connor said there was still plenty of competition for spots, with their second XI doing well.
He said the whole group was putting in the hard work.
“The training standard has remained really high,” he said. “The boys have been working really hard and the standard of the playing group is probably rising.”
“We’re in a position that we didn’t want to be in and we’re behind the eight ball with our expectations.
“I know the boys understand they have to crack down as we have high hopes for the season and want to meet them.”
The Cougars were in action on Saturday-Sunday against Sunshine Heights.
It’s the first time the two local teams have played each other this season.
Sunshine Heights need to keep winning to avoid relegation.
“There’s a lot in this one,” O’Connor said before the match.
“We have not played them for a long while as we haven’t been in the same division.
“I remember when they were really strong. We’ll bring everything that we have.”
It was a bowlers game on the weekend.
Heights made 143 as it was bowled out in the 66th over. Alexander Hatzoglou top scored with 55.
Matthew Williams took 6-50 for the Cougars.
The Cougars were in trouble at 4-14 in the run chase.
Partnerships were hard to come by with the Cougars losing their lost four wickets for just eight runs to be bowled out for 72.
Dylan Payne top scored with 20.
The win was Heights third of the season and lifts it off the bottom of the ladder into ninth spot.
In good news for the Cougars, coach Lachie Lewin has re-signed for another two seasons.
O’Connor said it was an easy decision for the club to make.
“He is outstanding,” he said. “His knowledge is great and he’s helped build the team and the club to be successful.
“Every player is behind him and we’re so glad he’s here for at least the next two years.”
