Ashfield could consider itself unlucky in the opening four rounds of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s B-grade competition. It’s without a win in that time but has been in the mix each game, only to fall just short.
Captain-coach Jason King says lack of experience has played a part in the side not getting over the line.
“We haven’t lost by more than 30 runs,” King said on Sunday.
“We’ve been giving a lot of kids a bit of a go with a youth policy these last couple of years. It’s a bit of short-term pain for long-term gain for the club.”
King says that, batting-wise, there have been improvements, but the players are letting themselves down in the field.
King leads the way with the bat, having posted two 50s and a 100 in four innings.
“Generally, it’s been the other way round, with our batting struggling and our bowling and fielding being our strength.
“There’s been a lot of focus on the batting in the off season. We’re starting to bat out the overs. It’s good to have the kids stepping up and batting well.”
Michael Fox, Corey Woolley and Nathan Anderson are youngsters who, says King, have started to make an impact in the club’s top side. He also praises Matt Bulluss, who has been exceptional this season, leading the bowling attack.
King is hoping the side’s win against Rupertswood in the T20 competition on Tuesday night will kick-start the season.
“We’ve definitely made a note of it,” he said. “The majority of players hadn’t played in a win this season.
“Hopefully, the T20s will get us going.”
On Saturday, Ashfield continued the good form with the bat, making 9-232 against East Sunbury in the B-grade competition.
King top-scored with 51.
“We can definitely win the match, if we field and play to our potential,” King said. “If we play the way we did in the last couple of games in the field, we’ll struggle.
“We dropped at least 10 catches against St Anthonys.”
In other games, Lachlan McLean will be pushing to be promoted in the batting order as he top-scored for Rupertswood for the third time this season.
Batting at number nine, McLean scored 37 not out in his side’s 156.
Lancefield will resume at 0-5 in reply.
St Anthonys set Macedon 262 for a win in their match at Arnolds Creek.
Bacchus Marsh made 232 against Wallan in the other fixture.
