By Tara Murray
A more even spread of contributors is paying off early for Ashfield in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield District Firsts.
Ashfield has won two of its three matches and had some good results against other sides looking to play finals.
On Saturday, Ashfield came out on top against Sunbury cross-town rival East Sunbury.
Ashfield captain-coach Mace Green said it was a good win with a few of the younger guys stepping up.
He said one of his focuses heading into preseason was bringing through that next group of players.
“We’re pretty happy with the win, with a few of the young guys stepping up,” he said.
“Corey Woolley is one and Ethan Travers made runs in the seconds and has come up and made runs again.
“Joel Muir is just 16 and the future of the club. When I first started preseason training I wanted to develop a couple of the younger guys to take over the reins.”
Ashfield started well with the ball, before letting the Thunder set up a total than it looked like getting early on.
Photo Gallery: East Sunbury vs Ashfield
East Sunbury made 9-167 from its overs, with Jaxon Mobilio top scoring with 64 not out.
Ashfield shared the wickets around, with four players taking two wickets each.
Green said it was a few more runs than they would have liked to chase.
Ashfield though had no trouble with the bat, making 5-170.
“We started well and got above the run rate and didn’t get put under any pressure which was good,” he said.
“Ethan batted well and Mark Muir as well.
“All the top four made runs which was good.”
Travers top scored with 38, while Mark Muir made 30.
One of the most pleasing things was that Ashfield chased the runs without their star batsman Jas king needing to bat.
Ashfield sits fourth after four rounds, with their second and third XIs sitting on top of the ladder.
Green, in his first season as coach, said he was happy with how things were travelling.
“It’s a little bit different being my first full time coaching role, I normally just help out,” he said.
“The boys are responding well to it and I’m happy with how things are going at the club.
“We played finals last year and this year we want to play finals again and hopefully make the grand final
Other winners were, Bacchus Marsh, Riddell and Rupertswood.
FOR MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/diggers-rest-bulla-cruises-to-victory/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/undermanned-riddell-no-match-for-golden-point/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/woodend-looks-for-sweet-spot/
