Tara Murray
Jacana needs to improve the little things if it’s to make the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 finals.
The Jaguars finished ninth last season without a win, but on paper have put together a strong team for this season.
Jaguars skipper Brett Jensen said the aim was to make finals, with most of their key players returning.
“Looking at the side that we have, there’s no reason why we can’t be playing finals,” he said.
“We’re expecting to put some wins on the board.
“It’s the little things that we have to work on. As I told the team, we just have to improve every week.”
Jensen said there was a good feel at the club with everyone keen to return to the field after being in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The club has seen an influx of players and is fielding nine or 10 senior sides this season – massive for a club of its size.
“It was good to see everyone,” Jensen said.
“With everything going off the field, it’s nice to be able to have a hit.
“There’s quite a large number of people that have immigrated from South East Asia who are now at the club and playing in a number of different sides.”
Among those joining the Jaguars this season is Kasun Mahela who returns to the club after one season away at the Greenvale Kangaroos.
Dammika Perera, who played for Diggers Rest in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association top grade last season, has joined the club.
Both will play in the first XI, along with a couple of players who have made the decision to play at a higher level after only playing in the Sunday competition last season.
The Jaguars started the season with a loss to Melton South Royals in round one.
A batting collapse proved dearly, as they went from 3-144 to all out for 158.
Jensen said that cost them the game, with the Royals making the runs with ease.
He said there were some good signs in the performance with most of the top order making runs, but the result wasn’t what they wanted.
The Jaguars this week face Wyndhamvale away, losing in the last over of the day.
The Jaguars made 9-167 off their overs, with Kasun Mahela top scoring with 40.
Wyndhamvale made the runs with four balls remaining, finishing 6-170.
In senior division, Westmeadows got its first win in the top grade.
The Warriors restricted Keilor to just 102, with Ryan Blair taking 4-18.
After being in trouble at 2-1, the Warriors made the runs with ease, finishing 6-103.
In division 1, Craigieburn and Tullamarine both made it two from two, with wins against St Francis de Sales and Glenroy respectively.
In division 2, Greenvale Kangaroos beat St Andrews Pascoe Vale.
