Greenvale Kangaroos coach Stan Nell is still looking at the positives despite another loss in Victorian Premier Cricket on Saturday.
It’s been a difficult season for the Kangaroos and it continued against Ringwood in the first round after the Christmas break.
The Kangaroos went into the match seeking a first win of the season but instead came out with an embarrassing loss.
After Ringwood made 9-228 from its 50 overs, the Kangaroos day just went from bad to worse and they were skittled for a miserable 69.
Zaheer Hussain was the only top-order batsmen to pass 10, with bowlers Aaron Smillie (12) and James Rosewarne (13 not out) top-scoring.
“It was the result I was hoping we wouldn’t have this season, but obviously it happened,” Neil said.
“We’re not the first team to be bowled out for a low score. Ringwood have been bowled out twice for 80 despite their strong batting line-up. It’s something to take comfort from.
“There are no excuses for the performance. We’ve had a huge first half of the season with a lot of development.”
For a side that has struggled for wins for the last couple of years, Nell said the atmosphere around the cub was still really good.
“We can’t go them and ask for results that reflect a top four or top eight side when we aren’t one,” he said.
“The attitude of the First XI has been fantastic, especially the leaders, Kyle Adams and Smillie. The whole group is committed to what we are doing and the players haven’t moved away from that.
“They want to play for Greenvale.”
Nell said the rest of the season would see the continuing development of all four of the
Kangaroos’ Premier Cricket sides.
“The Firsts have been competitive and have been far from disgraced,” he said. “The Seconds, Thirds and Fourths have really developed their cricket as well.
“It’s been a good effort from most of the playing group in the first half of the season.
“I’ve promised them it would be hard work and commitment and they’re holding strong.
“We’ll be looking for more good efforts from everyone and we’ll continue to work hard. “
Neil said it was unlikely that the club would add to the three players who had made First XI debuts this season.
“A 17-year-old and two 18-year-olds have come in and done really well for us,” he said.
“At the moment there’s no one there saying ‘pick me’. If someone makes a couple of centuries
we’ll then look at playing them.”
The latest debutant is 18-year-old Clayton Campbell, who is in his first full year in Premier Cricket.
Last season he played with Westmeadows in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.
“Clayton has done really well in the Seconds,” Nell said.
“We think he’s a player we can develop … it will take about three years for him to develop into a full-time Firsts player.
“I love everything he does.”
The Kangaroos now face Carlton in a two-day match starting Saturday.
