Tara Murray
Wins on the board early were the key for Bundoora United in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield this season.
After not playing finals last season, the club was keen to establish itself as a top four team this season.
Under new captain-coach Joel Thompson, the Bulldogs sit on top of the ladder with two rounds remaining and are guaranteed of a finals spot.
Thompson said with the unpredictability of a COVID-19 environment there was plenty of challenges.
“It’s nice and we’re coming to the back end of the year where we want to be,” he said.
“It was a big focus of ours to get the wins on the board, just in case. With the challenge of COVID, iso periods and lockdowns.
“We’ve also had Riley Gaylard playing school cricket, so he has been in and out of the side. It’s nice to have the wins and be on top.”
Thompson, who is in his second season back at his junior club, said it had been a really enjoyable season.
He said the change of coach had given the playing group a new voice and it had really paid off.
“Mat Ross had done a good job for a number of years. We had a good chat and I agreed with him that it was time for a new voice to lead the side.
“It gets the attention of the players who have been in a routine to have that new voice leading the way.”
Thompson said he was loving the coaching challenge having aspired to it for a long time.
He said Ross had been the standout in the group this season.
“To have the challenges at home and with work life, the way he has performed has been unreal.
“Luke Joyce and Glen Turner have been really good as well. They got involved and helped me out.
The Bulldogs face Plenty on Saturday.
Thompson said they were focused on finals and getting everything together for the pointy end of the year.
“After Christmas we’ve tried a few things to see what we can come across. Now it’s all about routine and developing a plan to execute in the coming weeks.”
