Tara Murray
Confidence is growing for Westmeadows in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
After a thrilling win in round one, the Warriors backed it up on Saturday beating a highly rated Keilor team on the road.
Captain-coach Donovan Pell said the lessons they had learned last season had been showing early in the season.
“It’s been good to finally start the season,” he said.
“We had a good win at home and then away at Keilor which is really strong especially with Miguel [Cummins].
“We lost a couple of games last season like the two that we have won. We want to go deep into games and winning the really close ones.
“It’s given us a bit of confidence.”
On Saturday against Keilor, Pell was the star of the show as he scored his first 100 in Warriors colours.
Pell and Clayton Campbell put on 194 for the opening partnership, with the two batting throughout the whole innings.
Pell made 112 not out and Campbell made 68 not out.
Pell said it was different batting with the red ball in one day cricket, than the usual white ball.
“It plays differently,” he said. “We wanted to build our winnings for the team and look to see what is dished up and it went from there.
“It was a bit of relief as I haven’t done a lot with the bat at the club. It was nice to contribute to the win, that was the best thing.”
Keilor fell just short, making 7-185 from their 40 overs.
Pathum De Mel took three wickets for the Warriors.
Pell said it wasn’t their best bowling performance, but they were able to bring it back later on.
“We didn’t start well,” he said. “Rhys Gleisner bowling through the middle and in the power play isn’t always easy, but he did a good job.
“Aaron Evans bowled well and Pathum ice the game along with Jackson Smith. As a captain I have so much faith in those four to bring the game back.”
The win means the Warriors sit undefeated after the first two rounds. Pell said it was a good point to start the season and they would reassess where things are at during the Christmas break.
In a good sign for the Warriors, they’ve been able to grow the depth at the club with their second XI side really strong as well.
“I don’t see us having a first XI side, we have a squad of 15, 16 players,” Pell said. “Depth was something we wanted to address and we’ve done that.
“The boys are getting wins in the twos and the thirds are playing on turf for the first time at the club.
“The depth is good, not just on the firsts, but the three sides.”
Meanwhile, Craigieburn lost to Deer Park.
Having snuck home the previous week, the Eagles were bowled out for 126 against Deer Park.
Nathan Pappin top scored with 56.
Deer Park made 5-129 in reply.
