Hanging Rock has been hanging to get out and play some more cricket, with rain causing havoc in the first part of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shields seconds.
Half of the Heelers first eight matches have either been completely washed out or or not completed.
When they have gotten on the field, the Heelers have won three of our four matches.
Speaking before the weekend’s matches, secretary Nick Maxwell said the weather had been a bit frustrating.
“There’s been a couple of rained out matches,” he said. “The ground was top dressed by the council at the start of the season.
“There were sandy patches. With the top soil it has become mud.
“With the amount of rain we’ve had in the 24 hours before games the last couple of matches, the wickets were wet anyway.”
The side was able to get out on Saturday against Macedon.
The Heelers kept the Cats to 9-112 from their 40 overs.
Harper Shanahan was the pick of the bowlers with 5-12 off his eight overs.
The Heelers top order got the job done, finishing 1-113 in reply.
Leonard Vincent tp scored with 45 not out.
Maxwell said they had been happy with how things were tracking on field.
The Heelers first and third XIs are both in the top four.
Maxwell said the second XI was a little behind the eight ball, but were hoping for a good run after Christmas.
The top side is in a competition this season which has some top grade sides and third sides from McIntyre Cup sides.
Maxwell said they were facing a similar level of competition to other seasons.
Youth has again been the key for the side.
“Most of our senior cricketers are between the ages of 17 and 22,” he said. “There would be no more than 10 cricketers older than 30,
“The age profile at the club is really exciting.”
Maxwell said the club’s all-abilities program also continued to go from strength to strength.
“It’s going well,” he said. “They only play every second weekend and they haven’t missed a game this season. ”
The club also has a strong junior program.
“Our junior teams are also having a good season,” Maxwell said.
“Our under-13 and 15 boys teams struggled for numbers early but we have benefited from Lancefield not having teams in those age groups with some players coming from there.
“Our under-15 girls team have also had a great first half of the season with the girls really developing their skills and love of cricket under coach Matt Shanahan. “Some of the girls also regularly fill in in the under-13 boys team and have also helped out Woodend for numbers when we have had a bye.
“We have had a number of girls selected in GDCA rep squads along with two of our under-15 boys.
“Our under-11 team have also had some excellent results. A number of them also help bolster numbers in our under-13 team.”
