By Tara Murray
Bundoora United has an early challenge with the bat in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield.
After a strong round one win against last year’s runners-up, the Bulldogs now face a big run chase against Eltham.
With 11 overs left in the innings, Eltham made 7-243 on day one.
Bulldogs president Simon Peat said it was more runs than they would have liked to have given up.
“We didn’t expect to be chasing over 200,” he said.
“One guy got hold of us and he made 150 and batted really well.
“It’ll be a big challenge for us.”
Scott Barnett, Ricky Lee and Rupinder Singh took two wickets each for the Bulldogs.
Peat said the score was more than gettable on their home ground, and having had a good batting performance in their round one win, there was confidence that they could get the job done.
“We batted really well in the first game and everyone chipped in, which helps,” he said.
“We’ve got the talent and the ability to chase it down with some good batsmen.
“It’s about acquitting ourselves. It’s probably a good thing to happen early in the season against a team like Eltham, which has been up there.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Bundoora United vs Eltham
The Bulldogs are fielding a similar side to last season, with one inclusion – Mitch McAuley, who has played at a number of clubs, is looking to settle at the Bulldogs.
In a bonus for the club, both Sri Lankan players have returned for a second season.
Having missed out on finals last season by just one point, the Bulldogs know they need to find some more consistency.
“We’re always up there and we’re hoping to be floating around the four come finals time,” Peat said. “Last year we dropped a couple of games that we should have won. There was a couple of teams that we should have beaten.
“We tend to play well against the teams up there and drop matches against sides we shouldn’t.”
Things are going well for the Bulldogs across the grades.
Peat said the number of junior sides they have was up there with the others in the area, showing the strength of the program.
The club is also back at its home ground this season with work to upgrade their rooms completed.
In other games, Mernda had a good day with the bat and is on track to score 200 for a second straight match.
Mernda made 8-197 in just under 69 overs, with Mitchell Harris unbeaten on 88.
Old Paradians were bowled out for 170 against Research Eltham Collegians. Montmorency finished day one against Lalor Stars, while Banyule is 6-160 against Mill Park.
