Greenvale Kangaroos have already shown glimpses of what they are capable of in Premier Cricket this season … it’s now a matter of putting it all together at the same time.
The Kangaroos are winless in the opening four rounds but were in control of two of those games before a lack of experience cost them.
Kangaroos coach Stan Nell said the start of the season had been what he expected from an inexperienced side.
“It’s been a little difficult as we’re undermanned but some of the kids are standing up and doing well for us,” he said.
“We lost to St Kilda by four runs after being in control until the end of the game. Their side had two former Australian Test players and another two who have played state cricket, so I thought it was a pretty good effort by us.
“We had Monash Tigers at 5-55 on Saturday and the game was ours for the taking but we couldn’t finish it off.”
The Tigers’ middle order regrouped and they didn’t lose another wicket on their way to 5-190 to keep the Kangaroos winless.
Nell said a lack of experience had shown through in those games.
“I’m happy with how it has gone, so far,” he said. “We have a 17-year-old, a couple of 18-year-olds, a 19-year-old and couple of 20-year-olds in our side.
“Our captain, Kyle Adams, has played a bit of Premier Cricket but the others haven’t so much. It’s taking time for them to learn each other’s games … they’ll all be better for it.”
Nell said there were good signs for the future.
“Josh Trembath and Adam Amin made 90 for the third wicket on Saturday, which is exciting for us,” he said.
“Adam is a keeper-batsman and is starting to step up at the top of the order and take responsibility.
“Jack Rhodes scored 45 not out on Saturday and has made runs in three of the games.
“Kyle and Sunam Gautam have been going well and I’m happy with Josh’s games as well.”
Nell said the aim for the next few weeks was to get more consistency.
“We’re basically going through a process of learning to play together,” he said.
“The group needs to learn from the situations we’ve been in and, hopefully, string a few performances together.”
The first-year coach said the investment in youth was showing through in all four sides.
“There are 24 players between 15 and 18 from the firsts through to fourths; that’s half the club in that age group,” he said.
“We’re already starting to see good performances from them.”
This week, the Kangaroos will travel to Swan Hill to play Monash University in Country Week round.
