Tara Murray
Jacana knows a win against the Melton South Royals will go a long way in achieving the side’s finals hopes in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 clash.
In a battle between third and fourth, a win for either side will take them one step closer to a top four finish.
On day one of the clash, it was one for the bowlers with 16 wickets falling.
Jaguars coach Niroshan Bandaratilleke said they know how important this match is for the side.
“It’s a big game,” he said. “We win this one and we will likely move into third spot.
“We’ve been very happy with our season so far as we’ve played very well against the good sides. Hopefully we make finals.”
The former Sri Lankan international was left disappointed after day one of the match.
The Jaguars were bowled out for just 119. Zafar Iqbal top scored with 44.
“It was disappointing,” he said. “There were a few bad decisions.
“We lost two players who went overseas. They are two good players, our number four and number five and we have struggled with the bat when they’ve been gone.”
While behind the eight ball, the Jaguars bowlers kept them in the game.
The Royals will resume at 6-73.
Bandaratilleke is hoping for quick wickets on day two.
“I’m really happy with that, their main players are back in the pavilion,” he said. “Their captain is at the wicket.
“If we can get another one or two wickets it’s all over.”
Bandaratilleke said they would receive a boost in the coming weeks, with their two key batters, which includes, Praneeth Jayasundera, returning and re-joining the side.
Finals would be a step further to Bandaratilleke aim of winning a premiership. The side finished ninth last season.
“We need to get a premiership,” he said. “That is my big aim. Everyone here needs a championship as we haven’t won one in the last five years.”
In other matches Donnybrook was bowled out for 183 against Wyndhamvale, with Gurwant Singh top scoring with 45 after coming in down the order.
Wyndhamvale will resume at 1-27.
In the senior division, Westmeadows is in trouble against Keilor.
The Warriors were bowled out for 110, with the Blues 2-76 in reply.
Craigieburn will need a good day with the bat against Deer Park. The Eagles will resume at 0-1 in reply to Deer Park’s 9-289.
In division 2, Tullamarine is 0-23 in reply to St Francis de Sales 157, while in division 3 the Greenvale Kangaroos are 0-17 in reply to Footscray United’s 8-328.
In division 4, Roxburgh Park made 167 and now has Laverton at 4-45.
