Ian Blanchett’s coaching career at Craigieburn got off to the best possible start with victory over Westmeadows in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.
Blanchett moved from Airport West St Christopher’s in the off-season with the aim of lifting Craigieburn up the divisions.
In Saturday’s north A1 match, Westmeadows was bowled out for 176 in the last of its allocated 40 overs.
Craigieburn finished its overs at 5-187.
Speaking before the match, Blanchett said the move to Craigieburn had so far been satisfying.
“It’s always hard coming to a new club and not knowing anyone,” he said.
“It’s a great challenge … I don’t shy away from that.
“I wanted to make an impact at a lower level and help them get back up the ranks.
“It’s been further to travel but worth it so far.”
Blanchett said there was a good attitude among the players and a willingness to learn.
“There’s definitely some young talent and I’m looking forward to working with them,” he said.
“Some of the older guys might learn a few things, too. I want to help everyone progress with their cricket.”
The core of last year’s side, which narrowly missed the finals, has returned.
Brad Penaluna, who played for Brunswick’s second XI in sub-district cricket has joined, as has Tim English, who joins his brother at the club.
“They have employed me to reach finals and I think we can reach them with the squad we have,” the coach said.
“A few players have gone overseas and there’s always some coming and going, but we’ve kept the nucleus together.
“We’ve had a whole team come across to the lower levels from Avondale Heights, and I’m looking forward to working with them.”
Jacana came up short against Avondale Heights in its first game back in the north A1 division.
Avondale Heights batted first and made 5-232.
The Lions finished on 8-200.
In other results, Greenvale Kangaroos defeated Tullamarine in the senior division.
Needing 158 for victory, the Kangaroos made it with ease, finishing on 6-182.
Openers Tarek Moughanie and Matthew Innes top-scored with 47 runs apiece.
Chathura Darshana was the pick of the Kangaroos’ bowlers earlier in the day, taking four wickets.
In Premier Cricket, Greenvale Kangaroos remain winless after three rounds.
The Kangaroos came within five runs of victory against St Kilda on Saturday.
After being sent in, St Kilda looked on track for a big total after getting to 2-99, before Sunam Gautum (6-14) hit his straps to help restrict St Kilda to 155.
The Kangaroos were bowled out for 151 in reply.
On Sunday, the Kangaroos fell well short of the 6-244 target set by Footscray Edgewater.
The Kangaroos were bowled out for 148.
