By Tara Murray
Tullamarine knows it will have to bat to its potential if it is any chance to take the points against Airport West St Christophers in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Peter Howarth Shield division 1 west competition.
Airport West made the most of the good conditions and with some luck going its way, put on 6-317 from its overs.
Demons coach Buddhika Mendis said they didn’t help themselves in the field and contributed to such a big total.
“We had them on the ropes at 2-6,” he said.
“We dropped about eight catches.
“Both guys that made centuries, we dropped. We dropped one [Dinesh Cooray] on 13 and he went on to make 115.
“We dropped the other one [Jordon Kelly] on 64 and he made 100. It cost us about 170 runs.
“We take those catches and the middle order would have been under pressure and we would be talking about a different chase next week.”
Shane Siebel took 3-57 for the Demons.
Despite a daunting run chase, Mendis said they know the game isn’t over.
“If we can bat the whole 80 overs properly we will push them,” he said.
“It’s a belter of a wicket. There’s no short cuts and we’re going out there to bat the 80 overs.”
Photo Gallery: Airport West St Christophers vs Tullamarine
The first year coach, who represented the Singapore National team for 10 years, said the team knew it would take time to get going this season.
“It’s a totally new team from the last few years,” he said. “We’ve got about seven new players in the first team and it takes a bit of time to settle as a club and culture.
“We’re building something long term, not just in the short term.”
Mendis said it was about taking it a week at a time and predicted they would get stronger in the next few weeks when their imports arrive.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what we can do when we have our full side.
“There’s excitement and we think we will push every side … once we get some game practice together, we will be right.”
Greenvale Kangaroos have already conceded first innings points against Laverton.
The Kangaroos were bowled out for 106 in the 44th over, with Laverton 6-109 at stumps.
In the Tony Issacs Shield division 1 north, Westmeadows made 9-293 on the back of 117 from Clayton Campbell.
Craigieburn has West Coburg 2-9 in reply to its total of 180.
Jacana is in trouble against Melton Centrals in Russell Pollock Shield Division 5. Centrals made 237, before having the Jaguars at 8-56 at stumps.
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