Tara Murray
Taylors Lakes is aiming to close the gap between its best and its worst in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west competition.
The Lions have split their opening four matches, but haven’t been able to put in consistent performances from match to match.
Captain-coach Alex Deuchar said they were happy with where they were sitting after failing to win a match in the 2020-21 season.
“Two and two is a nice place to be,” he said. “There’s been some tough games where we’ve been able to get over the line.
“We’re starting to learn to win. Now we have to make the difference between our best and worst getting smaller.”
The most recent weekend of matches summed up the Lions season so far. They had a really good win against Williamstown, but failed against Spotswood the following day.
Deuchar said the side looked mentally tired, not used to playing games in successive days.
He said that was something that can happen at times.
“I said to the boys, they’re recreational cricketers, they’re not used to backing and doing it at that intensity too.
“They’re also not used to winning many matches. The match didn’t reflect the quality in the gap between the two teams.”
While the Lions added a number of key players, some of the younger players who were already at the club have been standing up.
Deuchar said the younger players were benefiting of having experienced players supporting them on the field.
“We weren’t looking to strengthen the side, but to add more experience.
“Luke Denny, who is 19, made 92 and was able to bat with someone like Kaidin Jackson.
“[Buddhika] Janith, myself and Trent Waring have added to bowling. Harsahib Singh, a 17-year-old, took five wickets in round one.
“It’s the other guys who are taking the wickets.”
The excitement building at the club isn’t just surrounding the first XI.
The second XI have won two matches in a row after not winning one for 99 weeks, the third XI are undefeated after just one win last season, while the fourth XI is also on the board.
“Last season we didn’t win a match in the top two grades and only one each in the lower grades,” Deuchar said.
“When we won on Saturday, the first thing we did was watch the live stream for the second team.
“The work ethic is amazing and everyone looks forward to the weekend and showcasing what they’ve been working on.
“Everyone is enjoying each other’s company and really positive about cricket.”
Deuchar said the key was to keep working on the skills during the week to try and close the gap and put the pressure on the other sides.
“We’ll try and enjoy every game and we’re trying to win nice to get another three wins [before Christmas].
“That’s the aim and the ladder will take care of itself.”
The Lions are set to face Melton on Saturday.
