Greenvale Kangaroos are in the box seat to record its second win of the Victorian Premier Cricket season, but the Kangaroos aren’t getting ahead of themselves.
The Kangaroos dominated day one of their match against Frankston Peninsula; if they play at the same sort of level on day two, victory should be theirs.
The Kangaroos’ pace bowlers did the job early, bowling Frankston Peninsula out for 162.
Frankston Peninsula was 1-76 before losing the last nine wickets for 84 runs.
Kyle Adams took 5-33 and Aaron Smillie 4-57.
Kangaroos coach Stan Nell said the bowlers made the most of pitch conditions.
“It was a pace-friendly day,” he said. “All three pace bowlers bowled well.
“Kyle returned to form. Aaron got his second four-wicket haul of the season and Trent [Waring] played his role.”
In reply, the Kangaroos finished day one on 2-71 and need 92 runs for victory.
Harry Dearden will resume on 33.
“Even though we lost two wickets, we’re in a strong position,” Nell said.
“Harry’s off to a good start and Zaheer Hussain faced 40-odd balls.
“Harry is one of the mainstays of our batting line-up. He’s only 19 … he’s doing really well this year.”
Skipper Jarrod Leggett, returning to the side after a back injury, made 25 before nicking one.
“It was great to have him back out there,” Nell said.
“He marshalled the troops in the field and looked good with the bat before going out. He’s an important part of the middle order.”
Nell said that despite the Kangaroos’ strong position, they wouldn’t be satisfied until the winning runs were hit.
“The job is only half done,” he said.
“I’m really happy with the bowling and fielding and we’ve put ourselves in a good position.
“The top eight sides are good at backing up week in week out and we want to be one of those sides.
“Once we get the 92 runs, then the job is done.”
Saturday’s match saw Bernard Kelly make his first XI debut for the Kangaroos. He played one first XI match in 2013-14 with Footscray Edgewater.
Kelly was a late inclusion, replacing regular wicketkeeper Nathan Massey, taking three catches and making a stumping.
“Bernard is 21 or 22,” Nell said.
“When Nathan gives up cricket, Bernard is at the front of the line to replace him as the first XI keeper. We have high hopes for him in the future.”
