Tara Murray
Greenvale Kangaroos returned to the winners list for the first time since March 2023 as they chased down Frankston-Peninsula’s big total in Victorian Premier Cricket.
After a tough couple of seasons, the Kangaroos claimed victory and did it in style on Saturday on their home deck.
Coaching director Ash Cavigan said there were plenty of celebrations on Saturday night.
“It is huge for the boys,” he said. “It was a really good reward for the guys that come in last year, especially Justin [Galeotti] and Sunny Fernando as coach.
“It’s a different team this year and the English guys, Ryan Stingel, Musa Hussain weren’t here last year and didn’t know what it was like as much as some of the others.
“It’s a good reward to chase down that score. That bleeds a lot of belief getting a win early in the year.”
The Kangaroos needed 2-309 on day two, with Frankston Peninsula making 8-308 from their overs.
It was a challenge with the Kangaroos having not passed 300 since February 2020.
The Kangaroos hit the winning runs with three overs remaining.
They lost just two wickets, finishing 2-309.
“Last year we didn’t put together a batting display like that,” Cavigan said. “We only lost two wickets with Justin making 161 not out.
“Angus Webb has played less than 15 games. It was a great experience for everyone and they stuck to what they know.
“The good thing about young groups is about learning how to play premier cricket. It’s about working hard and training and guys like Justin and Angus train as hard as anyone.”
Webb finished on 105 not out.
Cavigan said Will Luxton in his first hit out and Ryan Stingel both showed good signs in their short period at the crease.
Cavigan said partnerships was one of the key measures that they had set this season.
For Galeotti, it’s the second time in three innings he has batted through. He has scored 235 runs so far for the season.
Cavigan said he deserved to get the rewards.
“He’s a champion bloke and we couldn’t ask for anyone better to lead the group at this stage,” he said.
“Last year there weren’t many people saying yes to come and play. He knew it would be a challenge and he still said yes.”
Now with one win and a bit of confidence, Cavigan knows that they will need to back it up this week.
They will travel to face Dandenong.
“Hopefully we can bat that way again,” he said. “We still have work to do, especially with the ball and in the field.”
