By Tara Murray
Lalor Stars were more than happy with a 200-plus total in difficult conditions in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association’s Money Shield.
With rain falling throughout the day, the Stars managed 216 against Mill Park.
Playing-coach Steven Kemp said it wasn’t the greatest day for cricket.
“It was shocking and tough conditions for everyone. It was really cold.
“There was a few downpours, but we didn’t come off until the end, which was really good,” he said.
“We were in a little bit of trouble for a while. We had a couple of later partnerships. To get to 216, we were pretty happy.”
The Stars had lot of starters but no one was able to go on with it.
Opener Alex Manoilovski top-scored with 40, while captain Ricky Mittica, coming in at number nine, scored 34 not out.
Seven other players reached double figures.
Thomas Stoneham took 3-50 for Mill Park.
Kemp said he was confident if they stuck to their bowling plan next weekend they would get the job done.
A win would give the Stars a 2-0 start. Last season they won just three games.
Kemp said they were in a good spot.
“Last year was challenging,” he said.
“We lost a few players and we picked up a few players too.
“I think we’re in good shape [this season]. We’re going to try and blood a few young blokes as well.
“Hopefully we’ll get this game.”
The Stars this season can call on the experience of Adam Hall, who has played indoor cricket for Australia.
The side will also benefit from the success of the club’s T20 campaign last season, when it finished runners-up.
“The T20 was really good,” Kemp said.
“A few guys have gained some experience. Ricky was captain of that side and now he’s captain of the ones, so it was a good experience for him.”
In other matches, Udara Ranasinghe put on a show for Old Paradians.
Ranasinghe took 9-22 to help his side skittle Lower Plenty for 92 then he top scored with 45, as the Old Paradians finished the day 4-82.
Heidelberg made 5-220 off 52 overs against Greensborough in the other match to get started.
In the Barclay Shield, play got under way in three of the five matches.
Plenty is in trouble at 8-64 against Diamond Creek, Montmorency is 7-75 against Epping and Bundoora will resume at 8-128 against Rosanna.
