As the business end of the season draws closer, Deer Park looks every bit a premiership favourite.
The Victorian Turf Cricket Association outfit has smashed, bashed and crashed its way through two-thirds of the season to sit undefeated atop the West B1 ladder.
For Lions’ coach Tim Collins, the results couldn’t be more encouraging in his first year in the top job.
After a decorated career with Victorian sub-district clubs Altona and Sunshine, Collins moved to Deer Park in the off-season to be co-coach with Shane Jones.
“What I’ve seen at the club has blown me out of the water, to be honest,” Collins said. “The guys have been fantastic, all very keen … I couldn’t ask for more.”
Dynamic duos with bat and ball from Deer Park – Tim Collins and Ricky Suvada, and James Bonnici and Shane Jones, respectively – have put the Lions in front.
Their top order has been led brilliantly by Collins and club stalwart Suvada. Both powerful batsmen average north of 45, Collins having scored 355 runs for the season and Suvada 339.
While a shoulder injury has halted Suvada’s impact with the ball, Collins is full of praise for the way the all-rounder has continued to attack with the bat.
“I honestly think he could walk into most sub-district ‘ones’ teams, without a doubt,” Collins said.
“That’s how highly I rate Rick. He’s a natural; a thrashing machine. I’ve never seen a bloke hit a ball consistently as hard as Rick.”
With the ball, James Bonnici has established himself as the division’s premier pace bowler, closely followed by Jones. The pair have combined to take 41 wickets for the season.
Collins has big plans for his side as it looks to build on its dominant run.
The co-coach believes the club has all the necessary talent to climb the ranks of the VTCA.
“Anything short of a premiership is a failure,” he said.
“Obviously you have to get to the big dance before that and there’a a lot of cricket to be played.
“As long as we get ourselves in the right position to get a home final to start with, we’re giving ourselves the best chance to win a premiership.
“From there, we want to go up to the next level next year,” Collins said.
