Gladstone Park is seeking more consistency and a continued improvement as it bids to take the next step in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association’s George Luscombe Shield this season.
After coming home strongly last year, Gladstone Park fell in the semi-finals. It started this season with two wins but then form deserted the team, which lost its next two matches.
Speaking before the weekend matches against Sydenham/Hillside and Strathmore Heights, Gladstone Park captain-coach Matt Nyhus said a lack of numbers had played a large part in the slump in form.
“We’ve had a few key players out and been pretty ordinary,” Nyhus said. “We definitely have a strong team when everyone is available.
“We have the same core players as last year and we’ve added a couple.”
Ryan Achilles, who has played grade cricket, has bought a wealth of experience to a young side.
“He has added value as an opening batsman,” Nyhus said. “It’s a young group and a lot of players are coming out of their shells. They haven’t had many chances in the past to play in the senior side.
“There are guys of 15 and 16 playing seniors and we’re developing them.”
Nyhus said the club was focusing on growing its junior program.
“Last year was the first time we had juniors,” he said. “We’ve stepped it up again and there are 10 more juniors than last year.”
Gladstone Park lost its first match of the weekend, against Sydenham/Hillside.
Bowling first, Gladstone Park restricted Sydenham/Hillside to a gettable 9-145 from its 40 overs.
Jaydan Moore was the best of the bowlers with three wickets.
But Gladstone Park’s top order failed to fire in reply.
Moore, batting at seven, was the only batsman to show any resistance with 57. He was last out with the total on 117.
Gladstone Park finally ended the run of defeats by beating Strathmore Heights by 29 runs on Sunday.
After batting first and making 172 at Jack Ginifer Reserve, Park bowled out Heights for 143.
Damian Shanahan made 44 and Andrew Shanahan 39 in Gladstone Park’s innings, while Gayath Pandikorala, Jaydan Moore and Damian Shanahan each took three wickets when Strathmore Heights batted.
Tara Murray
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