By Tara Murray
Hanging Rock’s development continues in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield seconds.
With the majority of their side under-21, the Heelers have one eye on the future as well as having an impact in finals this year to back up their premiership from last season.
Secretary Nick Maxwell said that everything was going really well this season.
“Kyneton had fallen over in terms of their senior team and we were able to pick up nearly half a dozen players from them,” he said.
“We’ve had 43 players that have played at some stage this season. A couple of seniors ago we had three teams and had that sort of numbers.
“Last season we dropped to two teams as the numbers weren’t quite there. Looking at how this season has gone, we’re hoping everyone comes back and we’ll look at three teams again which is great.”
Maxwell, who is thrilled he hasn’t had to step out on the field with the influx of numbers, said they were starting to see the development in results.
On Saturday, the Heelers match with Trentham went down to the wire.
The Heelers made 8-197 from their 40 overs with captain Andrew Warne top scoring with 47.
Jesse Smith also made 46 at the top of the order.
Trentham pushed the total for much of the contest but the wickets started to fall as they lifted the run rate.
Trentham finished 8-183. Hugh Fitzpatrick top scored with 63.
Cormac Sutton and FInlay Watt took two wickets each for the Heelers.
The win has the Heelers in fourth spot, now 21 points ahead of fifth placed Trentham.
“With three games to go, barring a disaster, we will play finals,” Maxwell said. “Hopefully we’re hanging in there. Our average of the group is between 16 and 21 with a couple of older experienced heads to guide the ship.”
The Heelers face ladder leaders Rupertswood this Saturday.
Maxwell said their second XI was starting to put some wins together in the back part of the season.
The club’s two under-11 teams and under-13 teams are doing nicely, with the under-13 sitting in second.
It’ll be a big few weeks for the club. It will be at the annual picnic at the Hanging Rock Classic Vehicle Show on Sunday fundraising for the club.
On February 23, the club will host an all-abilities match between some Macedon Ranges and locals against a team from Maiden Gully.
In other Jensen Shield seconds matches, Malmsbury fell well short against Romsey.
Romsey made a massive 5-228 with Daniel Wright finishing 100 not out.
Malmsbury was bowled out for 142 in reply.
Chris Ganim top scored with 41.
Rupertswood and Macedon were the other winners.
This week Trentham plays Macedon, Lancefield hosts Malmsbury and Romsey takes on Blackwood.
