Tara Murray
A strong batting performance set up a first up win for Lalor Stars in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield.
After their first match was washed out, the Stars faced Bundoora Park in the second round.
The Stars made 8-258 from its 80 overs on day one.
Skipper Ricky Mittica said they were thrilled with that performance. Mittica top scored with 62 not out.
“I think it’s the first time we’ve batted our whole 80 overs in two years,” he said. “It was a great start by David Worthington who put on a good opening partnership with Luke Miranda.
“They set it up nicely for the back end.”
Worthington returns to the side having tried his luck at higher levels in the past few years.
Mittica said Worthington had always remained good mates with a lot of the guys since leaving the club.
“He’s putting in the work,” he said. “He’s doing a little bit of coaching as well with the kids. It’s awesome to have someone back with the club.”
The Stars got off to a flier with the ball on Saturday and had the Thunderbolts in trouble at 7-90.
Mittica said it was a bit frustrating as the Thunderbolts got closer to the target.
In the end, the Stars did enough bowling the Thunderbolts out for 238 in the 78th over.
“We had them at 7-90 before they had a pretty good ninth wicket partnership. We were able to get the job done in the end and we walk away happy with the six points.
Clayton Pringle top scored with 79 at number 10 for the Thunderbolts.
Patrick Taylor took three wickets for the Stars.
After a few tough years, Mittica said they feel like they’re getting to the otherside of it.
He said it was good that players were wanting to come back to the club. Jordy Steele is another key player that has come back.
“It was nice for the boys to get the win,” he said. “The boys have put in the hard work and it’s paying off.
“After a tough couple of years, hopefully we’ll get the results this year.”
Mittica said the focus for them was to try and be in the mix come finals time.
He said across the club there was a good vibe.
“We’ve only got three teams this year which is a little disappointing, we would have liked to have four,” he said.
“Everyone is happy and Tuesday and Thursday nights have been good.”
The Stars now face Banyule in a two-day clash this weekend.
Mittica said it would be another good challenge for them.
In the Barclay Shield, Bundoora United had a big win against Diamond Creek, Bundoora lost to Riverside outright and Epping beat Heidelberg.
