Greenvale Kangaroos have jumped out of the blocks in the early rounds of Victorian Turf Cricket’s senior division.
And in bad news for opposition sides, the Roos have yet to field their best 11.
Kangaroos captain Jonathan Kent said the side wanted to get some points on the board early in the season.
“We’re pretty happy with the way we’ve started the season,” Kent said.
“It’s been a mixture of better training and more commitment from the players.”
One of the biggest factors has been the work of off-season recruits Tallan Wright and Peter Manser, both on the field and at training.
“They show us how to train and what lines to bowl,” Kent said.
“Last year our bowling wasn’t good enough. Having them bowl in the right areas and help set fielding positions has been a big help.”
Wright and Manser, along with Jacob Thompson, form a formidable pace line-up.
“Jacob, Tallan and Peter haven’t played together yet,” Kent said.
“If we get the consistency needed we’ll be a really good side.”
On Saturday, it was Wright who led the Roos to victory over McKinnon at Greenvale Reserve with nine wickets for the match.
After making 266 on day one, the Kangaroos bowled out McKinnon for 132, with Wright taking 7-46.
Kent sent McKinnon back in and Wright took another 2-16 as the visitors made 5-107 in their second innings.
“Tallan has been working in Perth and moved back home two weeks ago,” Kent said.
“He didn’t have a lot of time to bowl while over there. He has worked really hard since he returned and he’s set for a big impact with both the bat and the ball.”
As well as adding bowling fire power, the Kangaroos have benefitted from the success of the opening partnership, even though quality opener Sameen Kandanearachchi has yet to re-join the side.
“The opening partnership of Tarek Moughanie and Matthew Innes has been fantastic,” Kent said.
“Once Sammy returns we have to work out the opening combination. We’re hoping he arrives this week but I don’t think I can change the opening partnership at the moment.”
In other results, Tullamarine beat Bentleigh, thanks to an inspired bowling performance from David Zahorodni.
With Tulla defending 152, Zahorodni got 7-27 as Bentleigh was bowled out for 118.
Tullamarine finished its second innings at 5-215.
