By Tara Murray
It’s been a frustrating start for Caroline Springs in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Division 4 Charles Clark Shield season.
After a disappointing round one performance, the Falcons put out a much better effort on Saturday against Melton Centrals.
The Falcons looked on track for the win, but having lost 45 minutes due to rain delays, the game ended in a draw.
New Falcons captain Kane Twentyman said it had been a clunky start to the season.
“In round one against St Andrews, we felt like we didn’t have enough runs on the board,” he said.
“Braiden Gale was really solid at the top of the order, but there weren’t many helpers.
“It was important to back up this week and we put some things in place in regards to run rates.
“It was a really good improvement. I think we were the only game to play right to 6.30pm.
“We didn’t get the result one way or the other, which was disappointing.”
The Falcons made 6-178 from their overs, with star batsman Gayashan Weerasekara top scoring with 57.
A late partnership between Kane Sevior (49 not out) and Lucas Blackman (22 not out) pushed the total up.
The Falcons did a good job with the ball early and had Centrals in trouble at 7-60.
Twentyman said they tried everything to get those last three wickets.
Centrals finished 7-95 with the game ending in a draw.
“One of their openers got off to a good start and then the rain came,” he said.
“There was a 25-minute rain delay and then we got him cheaply.
“We had them 7-60 and threw the ball round to try and find a wicket.
“There was a good vibe.”
Despite the difficult start, Twentyman said it was all positive at the club.
The skipper joined Caroline Springs from Sydenham-Hillside in the off season.
He said he moved away from the Storm, looking to provide an on-field leadership role in a first or second XI side.
“There’s a really young bunch of players and the under-15s and under-17s are seriously talented young men.
“The opportunity to work with them is great. It’s been pretty positive and well received.
“There’s things in place and they are hungry to succeed. We’ll look to get some early wins and put pressure on the other sides.
“Finals is always the aim, I’m excited to see how we go.”
In division 3, Sydenham-Hillside defeated Seabrook.
The Storm made 7-170 before restricting Seabrook to 9-126.
The Storm are two fron two.
In division 5, Melton South Royals lost to Sunbury. Chasing 9-132, the Royals were bowled out for 97.
