Greenvale Kangaroos may not have wins on the board, but they continue to make inroads in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
After losing a few senior players in the off season, the Kangaroos decided to focus more on development.
The club kept the core group which played in last season’s grand final and set finals as it target but they are yet to taste victory this season.
Kangaroos coach Warren Bonello said it wasn’t all doom and gloom.
“Things are going alright, we would like a few more wins though,” Bonello said.
“Our first and second XIs haven’t won yet, but we’ve been competitive in every game.
“Without making excuses, we’ve had a few injuries and players unavailable.”
One of the biggest challenges for the Kangaroos has been weekly changes to the side.
Captain Tallan Wright, former captain Jon Kent, along with fellow senior players Jacob Thompson, Andrew Le Page and Matthew Bonello have all missed matches.
Bonello said they were getting closer to having a full side on a regular basis.
He said with their full side, the Kangaroos were confident they could match it with any team.
The development of their younger players, has been a highlight for the Bonello.
“They’ve just needed opportunities,” he said.
“The last four to five years we’ve had such an experienced side we haven’t been able to blood younger players.
“With a few guys leaving we’ve had the opportunity to play them [juniors] in the seniors.
“Anthony Ricupero is keeping in the seniors and Grayson Tailiki is a 15-year-old who has played, while Josh Whatman has been opening the batting.
“Some of the younger guys are working their way into the best 11 no matter who is available.”
The Kangaroos had the weekend off with rain forcing both their Saturday and Sunday matches to be called off. They were due to play Keilor and Tullamarine.
Saturday’s match has been declared a draw, while Sunday’s match, which was originally scheduled for round one, could still be rescheduled again.
Bonello is hoping they can pick up at least one win in the two one-dayers before Christmas, before having a real crack at it after Christmas.
“We’re hoping to get a couple of wins, but more importantly it’s about the progress of the side and making sure we’re improving.
“Hopefully after Christmas everyone is back and I think we can be as good as anyone.”
The Kangaroos face Strathmore this week, while Tullamarine takes on Seddon.
The Kangaroos premier cricket side match was also called off at the weekend because of the weather.
The Kangaroos’ two-day match with Melbourne will now be a one-dayer.
