By Tara Murray
Epping continued its good start to the season and is in complete control after day one against Macleod in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield.
Undefeated so far, the Pingers showed their depth on Saturday against Macleod, with three of their first XI unavailable.
Pingers coach Jeff Hughes said the match was a good test. “We have three of our top players out,” he said.
“Skipper Andrew Bennett, one of our recruits Josh Henkel and our strike bowler Robert Tinsely were all out.
“We were able to play a couple of kids.
Jake Leahy has been averaging 50 in the twos and he will get his opportunity next week.”
Macleod won the toss and elected to bat. It managed to fight its way through 71.3 overs before being bowled out for 133.
Billy McKeown, who started the season in the seconds, was the star of the show, taking three wickets.
Marcus Murphy also took three wickets.
“Billy stepped up and bowled about 18 overs on the trot,” Hughes said.
“He bowled 25 overs and he bowled 18 maidens, that was massive.
“We bowled really tight and we were able to restrict them to 130-odd, which was really good.”
Epping faced eight overs at the end of the day and got through unscathed, finishing 0-14.
Shanyn Kearney, who has batted throughout the order in different positions, was given the opportunity to open in the absence of Bennett.
Hughes said they were wanting to put a big score on the board next week, something they haven’t done this year.
“Hopefully we can chase down those runs,” he said.
“We’re missing a couple of our better batsmen, but we’ve got depth to cover those players.
“If we can get a couple of nice partnerships of 40-odd, it should take care of itself.”
Hughes said it will be an interesting few weeks at the selection table, with nine players across the sides to come back in.
Epping will play its opening T20 match on Tuesday night against Mernda.
The two teams were due to play last week, but it was postponed due to heavy rain.
Having claimed the Northern Region T20 title last year, Hughes said they were keen to make finals and have a crack at going back-to-back.
It was a tough day for Bundoora, which has already conceded first innings points against Heidelberg.
Bundoora was bowled out for just 79, with Callan Jones top scoring with 15.
Heidelberg was 0-82 at stumps. In the Money Shield, Mill Park had a strong day with the bat against Lalor Stars.
Mill Park made 9-307 with Dalton Polius top scoring with 100.
For the unbeaten Stars, Joseph Abbas took four wickets.
The Stars faced three overs at the end of the day, making 0-3.
Bundoora United is in control against Mernda.
The Demons were bowled out for 142, with Bundoora United 0-56 in reply.
Old Paradians will be chasing Banyule’s 8-263.
