Mernda passed the biggest test in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield this season, not once but twice.
On either side of Christmas, the Demons took on Rivergum, which was undefeated heading into those matches.
The Demons came out on top on both occasions.
Mernda president Rob Carrigan said they were happy with how they had continued on from what they did last season.
‘It’s going pretty well,” he said. “We finished last year in second spot.
“With the new sides in Rivergum and Dennis we thought it would be tougher than last year.
“At this stage we are going along OK. We’ve beaten Rivergum and they were undefeated before we beat them.
“Hopefully we are in the top two at the end of the season.”
Corrigan said the matches with Rivergum were good to see where the side was sitting having lost to one of the other top sides, Laurimar.
On Saturday, the Demons bowlers got the job done.
On day one, the Demons had made 2-232 with Michael Edwards, who came in at number eight, making 126.
The Demons bowlers were on top all day, bowling the Kookas out for 105
“The captain was very happy with how they executed the plan,” Corrigan said. “We strangled them and bowled a tight line and they struggled to score.
“We were then able to get some wickets.”
Edwards capped off a strong all-round performance, taking 5-27.
After 10 rounds, the Demons sit in third spot, three points behind the Kookas who remain on top.
Corrigan said it was good to see the club in the position it is after a few tough years.
He said the club was starting to see the next generation come through in all the grades which was exciting for the club.
‘We toiled hard to stay in Money Shield for a while.” he said. “We lost a lot of experience.
“Most of our players are between 18 and 22. There is a bit of believe and we’re building on the field.
“We want to continue to grow and push for promotion this year, if not in the near future.”
