It may be a little early to be throwing out a premiership favourites label but the tag is close to sticking at Keilor.
The Victorian Turf Cricket outfit has ripped through the opening third of the season, sitting unbeaten on top of the north-west division ladder.
Highlighting the club’s dominance was an outright win against fellow finals contender West Coburg at the weekend.
After taking a 61-run lead into the second innings, the Blues continued to control the contest.
On the back of four wickets from captain Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Keilor bowled West Coburg out for 164 the second time around.
The Blues then smashed their way to the target, reaching the required 104 in just 13 overs.
Keilor coach Sean McManus said the early wins would prove vital in helping the club book its place in the finals.
“To remain undefeated is a really positive start for the guys,” he said. “Early wins really help cement your chances at the end of the season.
“It gives you momentum, it gives you confidence and it gives you good ladder position. It also gives a really good standing in terms of vibe and culture.”
A highlight of Keilor’s good form has been the club’s depth and the Blues have had a different major contributor with the bat each week.
Robert Cook, Rahul Mall and Lokuarachchi have all posted scores over 90 to start the season.
With the ball, it has been difficult to top Sri Lankan medium-pacer Upal Bandara, who has cemented his place as one of the most dangerous bowlers in the division.
He has taken 17 wickets for the season, placing him second in the competition rankings.
“For the workload to be shared around shows that we have real depth this season,” McManus said. “We also have depth in the seconds that could easily step up. It’s a good position to be in.”
In its final match before the Christmas break, Keilor will meet second-placed Airport West St Christophers.
