It’s taken a couple of rounds, but Ashfield has started to find its groove in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s B-grade competition.
While controversy surrounds the result of its round three match against Bacchus Marsh, with Ashfield seeking the association to look at the result, Ashfield for the first time this season was happy with how they played.
First year captain-coach Ryan Pretty said they spoke before the Bacchus Marsh game about what they needed to do.
“We talked about applying ourselves and getting back to basics,” he said.
“We’ve been bowling and fielding well, but we’ve been putting too much pressure on the middle and lower order with the batting.
The midweek conversation worked, with Ashfield making 3-187 on Saturday. Jason King made 78, while Corey Woolley has started to show some more maturity with the bat.
“They were hungry after two defeats,” Pretty said.
“Jas has started the season off well. The experience Corey had last week batting for the whole 40 overs was vital for him.
“I’ve never seen him hit the ball better. Hugh [Cheatley] was scratchy early on, before looking good on Saturday.”
Cheatley, who played at Trafalgar, is one of three new players in the side. Paras Sehgal, who opened the bowling, comes to the club through work connections.
Pretty, who has been in and out of the side the last couple of years, returns full time.
Pretty said he was slowly adjusting to life as captain-coach.
“It has been challenging at times,” he said.
“It something that I’m loving and it’s a great experience. You have your tough weeks and good weeks, but the club has come a long way.”
The club is hoping that it will have access to its home ground by the middle of next month.
With a new pitch put in, the club has had to play all its home games away from Boardman Reserve.
