Tara Murray
Kealba-Green Gully is hoping to go at least a step further than last season in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield.
The Cougars’ premierships hopes ended last season as rain washed out their semi final, ending a promising season.
Captain Evan Long said that the way last season ended stung the group. He said everyone was keen to get the season underway.
“We’re looking forward to it,” he said. “Everyone is feeling okay and people are starting to pop back up with football finishing.
“There will be a few familiar faces joining in training. It’s been pretty relaxed, but once the season starts we’ll be ready to go.”
Long said the core group had returned again. He said while they had lost a couple of players, some familiar faces had also returned to the club.
“We’ve lost a couple of guys from last year with work and family commitments,” he said.
“We haven’t really picked up any players, just a few older familiar faces have come back.
“We’ll have some players able to step up and make a difference. Hopefully we’ll also see some better performances from the young guys stepping up.”
Aaron Amos has stepped into the coaching role after joining the club last season.
Long said they were excited by what Amos will bring to the role.
“He has stepped into the role and chosen me as captain,” he said.
“He has plenty of experience and ability over the years and was our best player by a mile last year.
“He delivered the goods last season and hopefully everyone else will be able to follow.”
Long said finals was the aim this season like it was ever year,
He said the return of two-day cricket would also favour them with their game better suited to it.
The Cougars started their season on Saturday against Buckley Park.
It wasn’t the result they were after, with Buckley Park coming away with the points.
The Cougars batted first, making 8-141 from their overs, after being 0-59.
Warren Kelly top scored with 35 at the top of the order.
Buckley Park made the runs with ease, with nearly 10 overs in hand. It finished 5-143.
It was all single wicket takers for the Cougars.
In other results, the Darebin Chargers and Gladstone Park both got wins.
This Saturday the Cougars will face the Darebin Chargers.
