By Tara Murray
Craigieburn held off a determined West Coburg to open its season with a win in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1 north Tony Issacs Shield.
It may have been a low-scoring game but the final result went down to the wire.
Craigieburn was sent in and made 6-133 from its overs.
Sammy Laffan top scored with 38 in the middle order.
West Coburg pushed all the way, but was bowled out on the fourth last ball for 123.
Craigieburn playing coach Chris Laffan said it was good to get an early win on the board.
“It’s great to get a win against one of the early favourites,” he said. “They look like they have added a few bats.
“It feels like it has been a long pre-season, especially with the inclement weather. Everyone was happy to get out there.”
Laffan said it got a bit too close in the end and there were a few nerves, but they were happy to get across the line.
The key for Craigieburn was recruit, Shupinder Taggar.
Taggar took three late wickets and was involved in a run out, as they stopped the West Coburg attack.
PHOTO GALLERY: Craigieburn vs West Coburg
Chris Laffan said Taggar, who come across from Diamond Valley Cricket Association side Bundoora, was the type of player they had looked to add this season.
“He’s good mates with Bageshwar Bisht,” Laffan said.
“Having an extra bowler helps with the pressure we have had to deal with the last couple of years late in innings.
“It’s something we learned, it’s good to have someone that can come on and bowl eight or so overs.
“He helps out with the bowling and adds another bat in the middle order around Sammy.
“He’s fitted in great.”
Laffan said early indications were that it would be a close season with most sides looking like they could play finals.
While Craigieburn has a young side on paper, Laffan said experience-wise they have a lot of players who have played at a higher level.
He said the key for them is to get some wins on the board in the one-dayers, an area they struggled with last season.
“We think we are going to be a good chance,” he said.
“We want to make finals.”
In other games, Westmeadows opened its account, beating Royal Park-Brunswick.
Royal Park-Brunswick was bowled out for 151.
The Warriors made the runs with ease, finishing 3-154. Chinthaka Jayasinghe top scored with 91 not out.
Glenroy snuck home against Greenvale Kangaroos.
Glenroy made 6-146 from its overs.
A run-out on the final ball ended the Kangaroos chances, as they were all out for 145.
In division 1 west, Tullamarine started the season with a win against Altona North.
The Demons made 7-164 on the back of a century to Dean Peter-Budge. Altona North made 6-153 in reply.
In division 5, Jacana lost to Sunshine YCW.
