Some key recruits have boosted the Merrifield Panthers in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield.
Just in their third season, the Panthers have grown so much that it has had to knock back any new members.
The club this season has four Saturday sides, four Sunday sides, a senior side and a T20 side along with a number of junior teams.
President Harmandeep Bhathal said that he couldn’t have imagined so much growth in such a short time.
“When we started we didn’t expect that,” he said. “It’s a lot of sides and we’re at capacity with just two ovals.
“We have nine junior teams including some girls teams.”
Bhathal said they are doing everything they can to cater for the growth within the club.
The Panthers top side this season is playing in the top flight, the George Luscombe Shield.
Bhathal said they weren’t expecting to go up into the top grade after being knocked out in the semi finals in the Vic Kyte Shield last season, but jumped at the chance when it arose.
They’ve started well, with three wins from their first three matches.
“We love playing in the first grade,” he said. “Hopefully we can play there for a number of years.”
Bhathal said they had been boosted by some key signings in the off season.
He said while they were hoping to get some of those players in the future, they came across a bit earlier.
Talwinder Prince has crossed from Bundoora along with Satnam Singh.
Rocky Sharma made the move across from Rosebank.
Bhathal said all three had made a big difference.
Rajwinder Singh is another signing, who made his debut on Saturday. He comes to the club, having had a success career in India.
It was a day for the bowlers in the Panthers two-day match with Aberfeldie St Johns on Saturday.
The Panthers won the toss and decided to bat and were bowled out for 129 in the 40th over.
Talwinder Prince top scored with 20, as seven players scored between 10 and 20.
Aberfeldie St Johns’ batters also struggled, with the side 6-68 at stumps.
Rajwinder Singh has three wickets for the Panthers.
Bhathal said they were hoping to continue their strong form and push deep into the season and hopefully play finals.
In other matches, Aintree finished day one at 6-138 against Gladstone Park.
Tara Murray
