On results, this season isn’t anywhere near as successful as last season for Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows in Victorian Sub-District cricket Association.
After making the north-west grand final almost a year ago, a different-looking Falcons lineup has failed to reach the same heights.
Captain-coach Adam Yates said that after a number of off-season changes to the team, there was no expectation to play off in a second successive grand final.
“We went into the season with different goals after realising we probably weren’t going to be in the grand final,” he said.
“While the results haven’t been there it has been successful, as with six debutants we are developing our team for the future.”
Yates said consistency across the board had been the biggest thing for the Falcons this season.
“It has been a really competitive year and we’ve been in every game,” he said. “We’re just not putting the finishing touches on games.
“We have lot of guys playing in their first season in the top grade and you learn to become consistent with experience.
“Consistency and putting it all together is the key now.”
Yates said Cameron D’Cruz had established himself as the first-team wicketkeeper, while offspinner Anthony Noto was playing a bigger role as the season went on.
One player who has stood out this year is Falcons vice-captain Mitch Streiff.
The all-rounder averages over 45 with the bat and has taken 15 wickets.
“He has shown the way and is a class player,” Yates said.
“His bowling has taken a back seat because of an injury, but he’s performing really well with the bat.
“He made 85 (two weeks ago) and was brilliant.
“Our batsmen have let him down. He has made a couple of 40s in one day matches but has run out of partners.”
Yates said the aim for the rest of the season was to continue improving.
That starts with a one-day match against Kew at Lakeside Drive Reserve on Saturday. It was originally a two-day game but day one was rained off.
“We want to maintain our competitiveness for the rest of the season,” Yates said.
“We have a couple of games against sides near us on the ladder.”
There was also no play on the first day of the match between Plenty Valley and Coburg.
