There were big wraps for Taylors Lakes going into the Victorian Turf Cricket Association season, and the Lions are delivering in spades.
After the second round, Taylors Lakes is one of two undefeated teams in the competition and is on top of the ladder.
What has separated the Lions from the competition to date is an incredible seven-prong bowling attack, which is causing countless headaches for opposition batsmen.
PICTURE GALLERY: TAYLORS LAKES V WESTMEADOWS
In the club’s round one win, Taylors Lakes limited St Francis de Sales to 170, while in its round two win against Glenroy, the Lions ripped through the batting line-up for just 161.
Taylors Lakes’ president Rob Arnold said it is great to have so much versatility with the ball.
“We have got seven genuine bowlers in that side,” he said. “Sometimes we think we might even be a bowler top-heavy, and we consider going for an extra batsman.
“However, all the boys are bowling well, so it is very hard to drop one of those guys. We do have some good players coming through the seconds, though, and they are certainly putting that pressure on.”
Leading the charge with the ball has been Rashid Bashir.
The medium pacer took five wickets through the club’s opening two matches, including a game changing spell of 4-31 against Glenroy.
Also among the wickets has been Jarrod Wakeling who has six to his name.
Far from content with the position they are in, Taylors Lakes are looking to make their batting as dangerous as their bowling. An off-season recruit from PEGS, Adam Dudderidge wasted no time fitting into his new surroundings, and already has one half century to his name.
Arnold said seeing out the 80 overs is vital if the club wants to remain at the top end of the ladder.
“We absolutely have to bat out our overs,” he said.
“Making scores in the 180s shouldn’t be enough to win you games of cricket, so we were a little lucky.
“We can’t rely on our bowling all the time though.
“We need to make sure we are improving every aspect of our cricket,” Arnold said.
After day one of its round three match, Taylors Lakes is 8-214 against Westmeadows.
