By Tara Murray
Tullamarine was counting its luck at the weekend, as the only side to come away with a win in the Victoria Turf Cricket Association division 1 west Peter Howarth Shield.
With rain causing havoc across Melbourne many matches didn’t get under way and of those that did, most didn’t get a result.
Tullamarine was one of the few that finished its game, beating Altona Roosters.
Demons captain-coach Buddhika Mendis said they were unaware that the other games in their division were rain affected until after they secured the win.
“It was massive for us,” he said.
“We were on the other side of things last year, so it was good to be on the right side.
“To be two from two and both away games, it’s massive.”
The Demons were in control for much of the day against the Roosters, it was just a matter of if they could avoid the rain.
Electing to bat, the Demons made 7-202 from their overs.
Dean Peter-Budge, who crossed from Strathmore in the off season, was the star, making his second straight century to start the season.
Mendis said they were confident that they had enough runs on the board.
“We always thought on that ground, it would be enough,” he said.
“They did push us really hard, but for most of the innings they needed five runs an over.”
While there was one rain delay and they played in drizzle for half an hour, the Roosters were able to bat out their overs. They finished 8-188, giving the Demons the win.
Mendis said they were slightly annoyed that they had to play through the drizzle, but it ended up being a blessing as they got the result.
The win means Tullamarine are the only side to have won two from two to start the season.
Early wins are important for the Demons, as they have to play their first seven games away while their facilities are upgraded.
It means they will play their final seven games at home.
In his second season at the club, Mendis said they were hoping to build on last season.
“Last year we just missed out on playing finals,” he said.
“We were in the top four for most of the year, but we had four bad games towards the end of the year.
“We’ve tried to strengthen as much as we could. We’re happy enough and so far, so good.”
Peter-Budge is the big signing for the Demons. They have also signed two spinners.
In division 1 west, Craigieburn made it two in a row, beating the Greenvale Kangaroos.
The Kangaroos made 158 before Craigieburn made 4-162 in reply.
Westmeadows had to settle for a draw with West Coburg.
In division 5, Jacana’s match against Footscray ANA was also a draw.
Jacana was bowled out for 130, with Footscray ANA 8-108 when the game was called off.
