Spirits have always been high at Old Paradians/St Francis Cricket Club, but they’re at a peak right now.
The club’s seniors have a perfect record after the opening three rounds of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association’s Barclay Shield.
After struggling for success since being promoted three years ago, the Wolves remain one of two unbeaten sides.
PICTURE GALLERY: Old Paradians/St Francis v Bundoora
Captain-coach John Bubis says the mood at the club is one of excitement.
“Spirits are really high,” he said. “After our second game, all the senior team was still at the club at 10 o’clock that night, talking and mixing together. That hasn’t happened for a very long time.”
Bubis said the arrival of new players Steven Luff, Hussain Hanif, Amara Shakthi and Shivinder Kanwar in the off-season had boosted the playing group.
“We picked up two batsmen and two bowlers and one of them is an assistant coach,” Bubis said.
“All four have contributed so far. They’ve added a lot to our depth and our second side has won its first two matches.”
On Saturday, the Wolves chased down Bundoora’s 142.
“We were 0-40 and then 4-80,” Bubis said. “Shaun Barker and I then put on a partnership to consolidate the innings and get close to the target.”
Shakthi top-scored with 29.
This week the Wolves face Plenty, the only other unbeaten side.
“It’ll be the biggest test so far,” Bubis said. “They have also gained a few players this season. It will allow us to see where we’re at.”
Elsewhere, Bundoora United beat North Eltham Wanderers, reaching the target of 203 with four wickets in hand.
Epping restricted Riverside to 149 in its innings after making 236 the previous weekend. Captain John Lever took 4-11.
In the Money Shield, Lalor Stars playing coach Wayne Dow hit 96 as his team finished 5-206 in reply to Montmorency’s 202.
Mill Park’s bowlers had equal claim to its batsmen for ‘best player’ honours in the match with North Eltham Wanderers.
After making 8-375 on day one, Mill Park bowled the Wanderers out for 79 with Matthew McMaster taking 5-23.
Mernda lost to Eltham, which chased down its total of 182.
