In a rain-interrupted start to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association North A1 season, Caroline Springs had scored just 339 runs in the first four rounds.
While two of those matches ended in draws without Caroline Springs getting to complete a full innings, the Falcons have struggled with the bat.
On Saturday, it was a different-looking Falcons with the bat as they powered their way to a massive 459, at more than 5.7 runs an over, against Jacana.
The score came despite four of the top and middle-order batsmen failing to reach double figures.
Falcons’ captain, Kane Sevior, said the return of Ben Cusick to the line-up had made a big difference.
Cusick top-scored with a career-high 162. “Ben played the first game before missing the next few,” Sevior said.
“We had Johaan Forbes-Anthony make a 50 at the top of the order as well and by the time the rest of us got on the field the hard work had been done.
“Ben and Tristan [Xerri] put on a partnership of 140-odd. Even the guys who failed with the bat stuck around and played their parts in keeping the bowlers tired. We won’t be letting Ben miss any more games.”
The Jaguars’ bowlers had no answers, with nine players being thrown the ball.
The Falcons’ lower order ensured a massive score with the bottom four batsmen making 146 between them. Simon Kinder contributed 77, while 15-year-old Stefan James, batting at number 10, was 29 not out.
Sevior said while they thought about declaring it was too good an opportunity to pass up to give their batsmen a proper hit.
The Falcons will enter day two as clear favourites as they look to win their first game.
“We’ve been bowling well but haven’t had the runs to win. We’ll set up like we normally do, looking to put pressure on the batsmen early on. If we can do that, we’ll look at giving some of the younger kids a bowl. Hopefully, we’ll get the win and keep on going.”
Sevior said the rain-interrupted start to the season had made it hard to judge the move across to the VTCA in the off season.
“We’ve had our challenges with the bat,” he said. “Most of the side is under 21 and hopefully we’ll get some more games under our belt and get the rhythm going.”
Elsewhere in north A1, Sydenham/Hillside made 186 against Barkly Street Uniting. Uniting will resume at 0-14.
