Tara Murray
Bundoora is enjoying being back on the winners’ list in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.
After just one win last season in the Barclay Shield, the Bulls have kicked off this season’s Money Shield with back-to-back wins.
Bulls co-coach Clinton Dunning said it was good for the playing group to get that winning feeling again.
“It has been really good after a really lean season last year,” he said.
“It’s great to have a couple of wins on the board.
“We were disappointed to be relegated and it’s never ideal. We had a really young side and it was a bit of a learning experience last year.
“It’s a great start for us and gives the young guys belief that what they are doing can work. After a poor season last year we needed positive signs early on and we’ve had them.
“Some of the other sides at the club have struggled so far this season, but seeing them getting wins is putting a positive spin around the club.”
Youth remains the focus for the Bulls as they build for the future. Dunning said he and co-coach Adam Sing had big plans for the pre-season to put some time and effort into helping the young players, but that had to be scrapped due to COVID-19.
Dunning said a number of the young guys had already started to show some good signs.
“Going down [a grade] gives the younger guys a bit more of a chance to learn their skills and craft,” he said.
“In the first game Nick Caracella played a real important role and what was a match-winning innings.
“Callan Jones has performed well as an opening bat, while Josh Turner in his first year at the club has a couple of wickets as a leg spinner.
“Dean Fisher is opening the bowling and has taken that next step.”
The other key for the Bulls this season is adding a more experience around the younger players.
Andrew Fairchild, Ryan Eley and Stuart Adams have either returned to the top side after not playing the past couple of seasons or playing n the lower grades. All three have contributed in the first few games.
Dunning said having them back would hopefully take some pressure off the younger players and allow them to flourish.
He they were hoping to play finals this season.
“We want to play finals and experience that for our group,” he said.
“But it’s really about developing the younger guys … that is what will bring us sustained success.”
The Bulls made it three wins in a row with victory against Research Eltham Collegians.
The Bulls made 7-115 off their overs with Dunning top scoring with 41 before retiring hurt.
The match went down to the wire with the Collegians bowled out for 111 in the second last over.
Fisher and Josh Turner took three wickets each.
In other results, Bundoora United had no issues accounting for Mill Park, Montmorency defeated Old Paradians, Eltham was too good for Mernda and Bundoora Park beat Lalor Stars.
Bundoora and Bundoora United are the only undefeated teams.
In the Barclay Shield, Epping lost to North Eltham Wanderers.
The Pingers made 6-177, with the Wanderers making the runs with just under three overs remaining.
