Tara Murray
Greenvale Kangaroos’ continue to show good patches of cricket but can’t put it together enough in Victorian Premier Cricket.
The Kangaroos got themselves in a strong position in Saturday’s one-dayer with Carlton, but were unable to get the job done.
Coaching director Ash Cavigan said it was a bit of the same old story for them.
He said the side had found the ability to be competitive, but the next step was learning how to win games.
“It feels a little bit similar to other games,” he said. “We’re starting to play some good cricket in patches and we’re getting close but not doing enough for long enough.
“We had a terrific partnership with the bat but we didn’t have enough contributors. The boys are hungry and the atmosphere is there.
“We just need to get those contributions from more guys.”
Cavigan said they were fairly happy with how they performed with the ball and in the field against Carlton.
He said they were looking to keep them to about 220-230 to give themselves a look at the contest.
The Blues finished with 9-251 from their 50 overs. Benjamin Cliff and Declan Highgate took three wickets each for the Kangaroos.
Cavigan said the key for them going forward is to make sure all the bowlers do it for all their overs.
The Kangaroos started well with the bat and put on 101 for the first wicket partnership. From there they struggled to put on partnerships as they were bowled out for 208.
Skipper Justin Galeotti continued his good form, making 101 not out. Will Luxton made 57 at the top of the order as well, with just one other batter reaching double figures.
Cavigan said they needed a few more players making runs.
Despite the loss, Cavigan said they would take some confidence out of the performance as they enter the T20s this Saturday.
“We had Yaseen Muntasir come in and bat, bowl and field well on debut,” he said. “Will is in a little bit of form and showing good signs.
“We’re looking at different combinations to get the result we are after in the T20s, Guys will get opportunities.”
In some good signs for the Kangaroos, their third and fourth XIs both had wins on Saturday despite the club missing four or five under-18 players due to school exams and schoolies.
Cavigan said they had a number of good individual performances across all the grades, it was a matter of having more of a spread.
The Kangaroos have announced their Dowling Shield side for the under-17 carnival.
With their under-18 side undefeated, Cavigan said they had some high hopes for the under-17 team.
“We’re pretty positive about the Dowling group and hopefully they have a good tournament. Some are already in our thirds and fourths.”
