Burnside Springs United is taking it one week at a time despite a perfect start to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield season.
Coming off a finals appearance last season, Burnside is keen to continue the growth this season.
Captain-coach Ashan Ranaweera said things had been really good so far.
“Cricket wise it’s so exciting with all the juniors coming through,” he said.
“The committee and club have been really helpful and we’re doing the right things
Ranaweera said there was a lot of talent at the club and it was just about helping them take the next step with the small things.
“They needed someone to help on the right path,” he said. “They wanted a change and wanted a new voice.
“The kids really like learning. I’ve tried to change their mindset and get their confidence back.
“They have that now.”
Ranaweera said he had looked to change their training up with a focus on fitness.
He said they wanted to build throughout the season.
“We are trying to do it one week at a time, not the bigger picture,” he said.
“Just do the right things every day and go with the plan.
“Normally my experience at every club, come in semi finals and finals it’s a different game.
“We need to train hard. Sometimes it’s for two and half hours.
“It’s more fitness. We want to start and finish the same.”
Burnside was one of the lucky teams on Saturday to come away with the points as rain washed out many washed.
The side was in control of its match against St Andrew’s Footscray after day one.
The Saints were bowled out for 154.
“The wicket was really good,” Ranaweera said before day two.
“At one stage they were 8-80 before the last two got runs.The wicket was flat.
“After 80 overs 154 it’s really good and we think we can chase the runs.”
Burnside Springs managed to get out and bat, making 4-158 to get the win.
It needed just 42.2 overs.
Shohan Rangika finished with 89 not out, while Ashan Ranaweera finished with 41 not out.
Burnside sits three points clear on top of the ladder.
Ranaweera, who joined Burnside Springs United this season from Sunbury, said he was loving his time at the club.
“Two hundred per cent,” he said. “It’s so good that I chose them.
“The committee especially the president Darren [Baillie] are a big help.
“They wanted a change and this what is happening.”
Burnside now faces Roxburgh Park in a top of the table clash in a Saturday-Sunday match this weekend.
Donnybrook and Roxburgh Park were the other winners in the Russell Pollock Shield on Saturday.
In other results, Deer Park was one of the losers in the senior division.
The Lions conceded first innings points to Airport West St Christophers on day one of their match.
There was no action on day two. Only one other match got a result.
