Keilor was finally able to kick off its Victorian Turf Cricket Association season on Saturday, ending the day in a commanding position against Doutta Stars in senior division.
Poor weather over the opening two rounds meant Keilor was unable to take the field until the weekend, but it showed few signs of rust, dismissing the Stars for 136 before finishing on 1-98.
Coach Sean McManus said it had been a frustrating start to the season, not just in not getting on the park but having training interrupted with the rain. But most teams are in the same boat.
“We’ve done the work that we can in the build-up, and it’s just great to get a game and be in a strong position,” he said. “It was really good to bowl those guys out. To be where we are with the bat is really an ideal situation.”
Keilor captain Kaushal Lokuarachchi saw enough in the pitch to elect to bowl after winning the toss, and it paid handsome dividends early as Dan Schuppan struck an early blow.
Wickets fell at regular intervals throughout the day, but Schuppan was a constant threat as he finished with 5-36 off 12.5 overs and received great support from Upal Bandara, who picked up three wickets.
“Schuppan just picked up where he left off last year with his match-winning finals series; he was great for us all day,” McManus said.
“We’ve got a new recruit in Tawalampolage Darshanapriya, who’s added some real opening-bowling strength, and with Chris Lee and Upal Bandara that’s a quality pace attack for a local club.”
In reply, Keilor couldn’t have asked for much more from the top order after losing Lachlan Sneddon for just 10. Nathan Beever and Daniel Stavris, both on 40, guided the visitors to a powerful position at the close.
“Next week it all depends on the conditions on the day, but my view would be to bat as long as we can,” McManus said.
“It’s been a pretty interrupted pre-season so it’s a good chance to get some time in the middle and the best practice is out there on game day.”
With a number of key recruits and its established stars, Keilor has high hopes for the season ahead.
“We feel as if we’ve put together a competitive team.
“We’re hoping to be really competitive and secure a top-four berth, but our real focus at the moment is to secure as many early wins as we can to set us up.
“Early wins in the season are really important.”
