The Greenvale Kangaroos have scored a confidence-boosting win in just their second match of the Premier Cricket season.
With wins few and far between in recent years, the Kangaroos surprised everyone with their victory against Camberwell on Saturday.
After winning the toss, the Kangaroos’ middle order led them to a more than competitive 8-194 from 50 overs.
Zaheer Hussain top scored with 70 and was well supported by Nathan Massey (56).
In reply, Camberwell could manage just 181.
Aaron Smillie led the attack with 4-34, while Sunam Gautam grabbed three wickets.
The Roos’ win came despite their missing captain Jarrod Leggett.
They didn’t have long to celebrate, losing next day to Geelong under the Duckworth Lewis system.
This time, the Kangaroos weren’t able to capitalise on a strong start from openers Harry Dearden (54) and Gautam (51), who piled on 104 for the first wicket. They then lost 10 wickets for 102.
Michael Rosendale, with 20, was the next- best batsman in an innings that ended on 206.
Fortunes swung as the Kangaroos took an early wicket; Geelong appeared to be cruising at 2-98 then it lost 3-14 to put the game back on even terms.
Play was halted due to rain and with four overs remaining, Geelong was 8-190.
Players returned to the field and bowled just two more overs before poor light forced them off again. Geelong won the match under the D.L. format, finishing on 8-196.
Smillie and Gautam were again the best of the bowlers with two wickets apiece.
Kangaroos coach Stan Nell said they had been in a position to win both matches.
“We had a really good win, a fantastic performance on Saturday,” he said.
“On Sunday we were beaten by bad light, rain and Duckworth Lewis. They still needed 11 runs [off 12 balls] and we were backing ourselves to get the wickets.”
Nell said the season’s first three matches had shown the side was starting to make inroads.
“We’re happy with the direction; the improvements are there. We’re getting to the point where we’ll start to see results.
“Our bowling and fielding have been good, but our top order needs to be more consistent. We made 104 off the first 17 overs and then 102 off the rest. If we turn that into a 230 or 240, we win the match easily.”
Nell is hoping that Leggett, who missed both matches, will have recovered from his back injury for the next match, against Dandenong on Saturday.
