Tara Murray
Mernda needs to hold onto momentum longer in games if it’s to close the gap in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield.
The Demons finished last season with just two wins, but captain-coach James Taylor said they weren’t that far away.
“We were in a lot of games, but we needed to stay in the games and take the momentum in them,” he said before round one of the season.
“Momentum is massive. If things get going, you roll with it.
“We’re a young side and a young club, it’s about building belief and getting results.”
Taylor said they had been happy with how the shortened pre-season had been played out and the group was ready for the season.
He said there had been good numbers on the track, with 50 different players hitting the track.
“Heaps of young people are keen to get outside instead of sitting around.”
The Demons have kept their core group from last season..
In a big loss, they’ve lost Mitchell Harris who has moved to Traralgon.
Tom Hall comes across from Plenty Valley where he played second and third XI sub-district cricket, while a few local players are keen to play some cricket this season.
With all matches one-day games this season, Taylor said he expected that to benefit them with energy and youth in the field.
“In one-day cricket you really need to finish games,” he said.
“You have short bursts and winners in every game. If someone has a day out, they can take the game away from you.”
It was a tough start to the season for the Demons against Bundoora United, who both played finals last season. They face Lalor Stars, another finalist, in round two.
On Saturday, United came away with a solid win against the Demons.
The Bulldogs made 9-168 from their overs, with Mathew Ross top scoring with 38.
Ryan Marnell took three wickets for the Demons.
The Demons were bowled out for 159 in the second last over.
Myer Zealley was the pick of the bowlers for the Bulldogs with four wickets.
In other results, the Stars kicked off their season on Saturday with a massive win against Mill Park.
The Stars made 6-245 with Aaron Amos top scoring with 67.
Mill Park was bowled out for 110.
Skipper Nathan Andrews top scored with 46 not out.
Paul Higgins and Jamie Scott took three wickets each.
Research Eltham Collegians proved too strong for Old Paradians.
Bundoora, which has dropped a grade, started the season with a win against Montmorency.
The Bulls made 4-187 in reply to 7-185.
In the Barclay Shield, Epping suffered a shock loss to Banyule.
The Pingers made 130 with John Lever top scoring with 24.
Banyule made the runs in the 34th over, finishing 4-131.
