If early signs are anything to go by, the new look Plenty Valley will be just as dangerous as the side of old.
The Bats started the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-south season in fine fashion against Brighton on Saturday.
The Bats restricted Brighton to 117 before making the runs two wickets down at 2-118.
New Bats coach Matthew Hewat said it was pleasing to get a first-up win.
“We lost the toss and they decided to bat,” he said. “We were pleased with how the bowlers executed their plans and restricted them from the start.
“It was blowing a gale, so we decided to bowl spin from one end. It wasn’t a huge total for the batsmen to chase down.”
Justin Jaensch and Sean Ayres, who opened the bowling, took two wickets each, with the fieldsmen doing their jobs with four run-outs.
“They missed a few chances, too,” Hewat said. “It was great to see the pressure created from the bowlers.”
Harjinder Singh Chahal finished 57 not out.
The Bats are fielding a very new looking line-up this season, with at five players making their debut.
Simon Black has come across from Kingston-Hawthorn and Steve Tsonas has made the move from Greenvale Kangaroos, while Luke Robinson and Callum Bowman have come out from England for the season.
Hewat has returned to the field, playing for the first time since the 2012-13 season.
“It was great to have a bowl – I haven’t been able to bowl the last few years,” he said. “It’s pleasing to be back out there. I’m feeling fresh.”
Among those not returning are Michael Sheedy, Sunan Rubaiyat, Will Wright and Sanjaya Chathuranga
Hewat said the key to this season was trying to get the players gelling.
“We need to get together as a group,” he said. “There’s a few players who will have different roles.
He said Sean Ayres would open the batting after moving through the order last year.
“Playing the three formats, we want to get stability at the top of the order,” he said.
“We need someone to take opportunities at start of the game and Sean does that.”
Plenty Valley has recorded an early season win with a strong performance against Dandenong in Women’s Premier Cricket.
The Bats made a competitive 173 before being bowled out in the final over of their innings.
Sophie Reid made 42 at the top of the order, while Kate Broadmore chipped in with 32 in the middle order.
In reply, Dandenong could never get going. After making 24 with no loss, it lost 5-9 to be in trouble at 5-33.
After a minor recovery, the last five wickets fell for 12 runs, with Dandenong bowled out for 101.
