The Greenvale Kangaroos have opened their account in Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
With rain preventing a result in their previous match, the Kangaroos were extra keen for a win against Strathmore.
The Kangaroos started Saturday’s play were defending their day one total of 9-255.
The runs on the board were enough, with Strathmore bowled out for 230.
Kangaroos captain Jon Kent said it wasn’t an easy despite his side being in control for most of the day.
“We bowled really well, while they also batted well,” he said. “I felt like we didn’t have a lot of luck and had two wickets off no balls, which put us on the back foot.
“We bowled really tight before tea and then they had to get a move along. We got a couple of run-outs which turned the game in our favour.”
Chathura Darshana was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-65, with Peter Manser and Jacob Thompson taking two wickets each.
The Kangaroos were 1-7 in their second innings at stumps.
The Kangaroos managed the win with limited contributions from two of their main bowlers and while not having a wicketkeeper in the side.
“We didn’t have a ’keeper this game with Andrew Le Page missing due to soccer and our import Sammy [Sameen Kandanearachchi] not being able to play,” Kent said,
“He was in the country but there was a mix-up with his paper work. Tarek [Moughanie] had to keep, which meant he didn’t bowl much.
“Tallen [Wright] was still unavailable to bowl after having shoulder surgery.”
Kent said the team was likely to have both ’keepers available for this weekend’s two one-day matches, while he was hopeful that Wright would bowl.
“He’ll bowl during training – it’ll be just whether he’s up to form to bowl during games,” Kent said. “He’s been given the all-clear to bowl, so we’ll see how he pulls up.”
Kent said this season’s side was stronger than the one that made the grand final earlier this year.
He said with one-day and two-day games having the same weight of points, it was important to have a broader squad.
“Anthony Barton, who was a district cricketer, has come across,” he said. “Sammy wasn’t with us [last season] as he was playing first-class cricket in Sri Lanka.
“At the moment, Matthew Innes isn’t playing, but I’m hoping he will play a few games. He’ll play some one-dayers.
“We’re definitely stronger than last year.”
Playing Spotswood, Tullamarine also enjoyed its first win.
Defending 255, Tullamarine bowled Spotswood out for 166.
Marc Lezar took three wickets for Tullamarine.
