A Keilor side with seven teenagers will battle to avoid an outright loss after a disastrous first day of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division clash with Hoppers Crossing.
After a first-innings loss to Bentleigh in the opening round, Keilor went into Saturday’s the away match against Hoppers at Hogans Road Reserve looking for a stronger performance.
But they were bowled out for 115 from 39.4 overs, a target Hoppers passed for the loss of two wickets.
PICTURE GALLERY: Keilor v Hoppers Crossing VTCA
Dan Schuppan top-scored with 37 for Keilor, while Hans Fernando (23), Shaun Guerra (19) and Shanne Darker (17) also got starts.
The early wicket of Chris Henry, bowled by Schuppan for six, ensured a good start for Keilor but from there Darrel Brown (73) and Sanka Abeyruwan (26 not out) took control, putting on 95 for the second wicket before Brown was caught.
Abeyruwan and Michael Tubb (seven not out) will resume at 2-117 on Saturday, hoping to score quickly, set Keilor a target and chase outright victory.
Julio Guerra, Keilor’s cricket operations manager, said the club remained realistic with a horde of teenagers in the team – seven of the 11 are under 18.
“It’s pretty disappointing but we have four kids that are 15, two that are 16 and one that is 17,” he said.
“We’re a very young side and we’re in the rebuilding process at the moment.
“Three of them debuted yesterday and there are a lot of positives.
“They’re the future of our club and nothing makes us prouder than seeing them play, rather than going out and getting imports.”
Guerra said the pitch played well and the players remained upbeat despite a tough day.
“We’d like to not lose outright,” he said. “We’ll keep our heads up and keep battling on.”
In north division, Keilor Park laid a solid foundation then declared at 9-255 in the away match with Royal Park/Brunswick. The home replied with 0-14 by the end of the first day.
In north A1, St Andrews is in deep trouble against Craigieburn.
Chasing 229 (Daniel Kilfoy 5/62), St Andrews crumbled to 4/27 after 10 overs. Mathew Pipczak (1 not out) and Wes Greg (5 not out) will look to resurrect the chase this Saturday.
St Albans is 3-68 chasing Werribee Centrals’ 162, while Taylors Lakes (4/136) took first innings points against Sunshine Druids (126).
