By Tara Murray
Kaushal Silva put on a master class to help the Greenvale Kangaroos to their second straight Victorian Premier Cricket win.
The Sri Lankan international was at his best as he helped the Kangaroos chase down Ringwood’s total of 9-252.
Silva batted throughout the whole innings, making 128 not out as the Kangaroos finished 8-254.
Kangaroos captain Micheal Stretton said it was always good to sit back and watch Silva in action.
It’s his second century this season.
“It helps when Kaush goes big like that,” he said.
“He was unreal and he batted throughout the whole innings. To see how calm he was throughout the day and see how he does it, everyone is learning from him.
“He almost single handedly got the job done.”
Stretton said there were a few nerves late in the innings as they lost a couple of wickets, to give Ringwood some hope.
Silva stood strong at one end and the lower order stuck around long enough to ensure they got the win.
“There was a few nerves on the sidelines,” Stretton said.
“Akash [Dahri] was getting a few boundaries and hitting some nice shots, while Humza [Ali] is a really good bat.
“Once he went out there was a few more nerves. Trent [Waring] stuck around for three or four overs.
“Sean [McNicholl] was a bit nervous. He had been talking up his batting though.”
While Silva was the standout, the Kangaroos had most of their players get starts. Akash Dahri was the next top scorer with 23, as five players scored between 13 and 23.
Stretton said that was their next area of improvement, to turn some of those starts into higher scores.
“Everyone gave themselves a chance,” he said.
“It was a little bit disappointing no one else was able to put a 50 or 60 on the board to support Kaush.
“They bowled well and we did have to work. There’s still room for improvement.”
The win moves the Kangaroos up to 14th on the ladder.
PHOTO GALLERY: Greenvale Kangaroos vs Ringwood
It’s the first time since round nine and 10 in 2016-17 that the Kangaroos have won two matches in a row.
Stretton said there was a really good feeling within the playing group now. He said they weren’t worried about what they had done in the past, just worried about the future.
“It changes the dynamic,” he said. “You’re a lot happier when you’re winning.
“I think we deserved a couple of wins.
“There’s a lot of good signs. We have Monash next week and it’s another chance to get a win on the board.
“Three in a row would be good. Hopefully we’ll keep improving, hopefully get a few more wins.”
As well as winning their last two Premier matches, the Kangaroos opened their account in the Vic Super Slam on Wednesday night against Essendon.
The Kangaroos made 4-182 off their overs with Jordan Moran top scoring with 84. Stretton chipped in with 39 not out late.
The Kangaroos did just enough, bowling out the Bombers for 174 with five balls remaining.
Ali took three wickets the Kangaroos.
Stretton said it was a really good game against a good team.
