Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows has finally got a win on the board.
Going into the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-east season, the Falcons were hoping to go one better than last season’s grand final appearance.
But those hopes took an early-season hit when the expected return of Vanuatu internationals Simpson Obed, Patrick Matautaava and Andrew Mansale didn’t happen.
They then lost English import Lloyd Lambert, who returned home for personal reasons.
On Saturday, the Falcons defeated Noble Park in a one-day match.
Adam Yates was a relieved captain- coach.
“We’ve been competitive in all of our first four games,” he said. “To get the win makes all the hard work pay off for the boys.”
After winning the toss, the Falcons made 9-181, Yates top-scoring with 60.
“We were 10 to 15 runs short of where we wanted to be in the middle stages of the innings,” he said.
“The wicket was starting to wear so we thought we had enough to be able to get the win.
“I spent 20 overs in the middle last game but was a bit scratchy, so it was good to cash in on a start.”
Noble Park looked to be travelling well at 3-102, but it crashed to 140.
“It was easier to bat against the new ball,” Yates said of the Noble Park batting.
“Once the pace was off the ball it was harder to bat. We got a couple of wickets and were able to stop the run rate.
“We put pressure on through dot balls and were able to bowl maidens to keep the pressure coming.”
Yates took three wickets, as did Anthony Noto, for whom the coach has high praise.
“He’s only 16 and has twice taken three wickets,” he said. “He’s one who has benefited from opportunities.”
Yates is also happy with the work of Cameron D’Cruz and Daniel Patrick, the latter having made some starts batting at No.3.
“Kurtley Brandt made his first 50 and I think he’s on the verge of a big season,” Yates said.
He’s hoping the win will help lift team confidence.
“We need to consistently be on for the whole game,” he said. “We need to maintain our performances all day.”
Plenty Valley beat Croydon in their one-dayer. The Bats made 6-179 on the back of 85 from opener Will Wright. In reply, Croydon was restricted to 8-149.
