Tara Murray
Deer Park is aiming at finals in its first season in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
Having not lost a match last season on the way to the division 1 championship, Lions coach Mick Andriadis is confident that they can mix it with the best teams in the competition.
“We got to know each other last year and we looked down and out a few times and should have lost and we didn’t for whatever reason,” he said.
“The side has a lot of confidence and I’m expecting to be competitive this season. Hopefully we will make finals.”
Andriadis said that they had a bit more depth this year across both their first and second XIs.
He said there would be a lot of young players pushing for selection.
“Our second XI didn’t have the best side last season,” he said.
“We lacked personnel. We have a few players back and have some more depth and are looking a lot better than last year.
“We got some players who played up until under-16s and then disappeared. They’re back after a few years and have shown some decent qualities.”
Andriadis said they also had a number of players who were still under 18 that looked like they were ready to take the next step.
They would be among those pushing for spots in the top two sides.
“We’re looking to have eight or nine established players playing in our first XI every week and then two to three spots which will be up for grabs.”
Andriadis said while they were going up a grade, they were more than confident of being competitive.
The Lions were set to start their season on Saturday against St Albans, but the opening round was postponed to December 4 due to not enough grounds being ready.
Andriadis said the challenge of returning to two-day cricket, which they haven’t played the last two seasons due to COVID-19, is something they were looking forward to.
“When they put their mind to it, they can play some good cricket in any format,” he said.
“When they knuckle down we have an incredible bunch of abilities, whatever the challenge. The sky’s the limit.”
The Lions are due to face Craigieburn this Saturday in a one-dayer.
In other matches set to be played this week, Haig Fawkner is set to host Sunshine United, St Albans is scheduled to play the Druids, Yarraville Club will take on Aberfeldie and Keilor is set to host Westmeadows.
