Tara Murray
Taylors Lakes is hoping to find some form with the bat to turn around its Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west season.
The Lions have lost their last four games and in each of them the side has struggled with the bat.
The side’s highest score in those matches is 169 and losses leave the side now sitting 12th.
Only Luke Denny averages more than 30 with the bat.
Lions coach Alex Deuchar said the difference in each of those matches was just with the batting.
“It’s been disappointing with the bat after Christmas,” he said.
“Unfortunately we’ve not had the top order in form and some guys were unavailable due to the virus.
“We had four guys out in one game. It’s been a disappointing start back.”
The most disappointing of those losses was against Yarraville.
The Lions were on track for victory at 4-127 chasing 158, but had a late order collapse to be bowled out for 138.
Deuchar said the wicket was a tricky one which livened up for about half hour, but not enough batsmen, himself included, didn’t stay in long enough.
He said they had been looking at ways to help the batters find some form at training. With no turf training wicket, the club has got creative.
“With the transition from synthetic to turf, you can make mistakes,” he said.
“We’ve put a net in the middle of the ground. It’s extra work for the groundsman, but it’s really helping.”
Deuchar said Marcus Just was one player they were hoping would step up. He made 145 after being dropped to the second XI, before coming back into the first XI for the last match. He said that the century had really boosted the club as a whole.
Deuchar said hopefully they would get the batting in order and it will lead to some more wins on the board.
“Our bowling attack has bowled really well,” he said.
“There are guys who are stiff to be playing seconds. We have bowlers in form, but six bowlers can’t fit into four spots.
“If we score runs, we will win games of cricket.
George Sakkas is the leading wicket taker for the side, with 10 wickets.
The Lions will play fourth placed Ormond on Saturday.
Deuchar said while the first XI was struggling their other sides were showing some really good form.
The second XI sits sixth with five wins after not winning a game for two seasons, which is a major boost for the club.
The third XI is sitting third and the fourth XI is sitting sixth.
“The other grades are fighting hard and keeping everyone going,” he said.
“The lower sides are really exciting. The vibe is excellent and the twos keep picking up miracle wins.
“It’s getting everyone up and about.”
In other matches that were set to be played on the weekend, Hoppers Crossing was to host Moorabbin, Melton against Spotswood, Elsternwick was set to play Altona, Malvern was to host Werribee, Brighton against Caulfield, Yarraville was to face Oakleigh and Williamstown was to take on Port Melbourne.
For all the results, head to www.starweekly.com.au
