The belief is growing for Sunbury and its translating into results in the Victorian Turf CrIcket Association Steve McNamara Shield.
The Roar entered the Christmas break in fifth spot, but was only percentage off second in its best start to a season for a number of years.
The Roar’s Marty Kelders said the group was really starting together as one and that had been the big difference this season.
“They’ve been really good the past few games,” he said. “They’re in good form.
“We have a group of players that have come through juniors and then into the second side the last few seasons.
“They’ve now come into the first XI and are playing like a team. That’s the biggest challenge.
“The young guys are playing for each other and it’s good to watch.”
On Saturday, Sunbury won the toss and sent in West Newport, who made 165 as they were bowled out in the 60th over on day one of the two-day clash.
Kelders said while it wasn’t their best day in the field, they were still able to get the job done.
“It was an OK day,” he said. “We could have done a little better.
“They had one batter who made 92 and played an exceptional innings, kudos to him.
“Mass (Indika Massalage) is a crafty bowler and was able to hold his nerve with a strong performance on the day.”
Jackson Treweek was the pick of the bowlers for the Roar, taking 4-26 off 8.2 overs.
It meant the Roar had 17 overs to face at the end of day one.
Kelders said it can be precarious having to face overs later in the day with a new ball.
The Roar finished the day at 1-37.
“We will take that,” Kelders said. “At 1-30 odd it’s a little bit better than we expected.
“The guys were able to knuckle down.”
Ethan Connelly will resume at 22 not out, while Divjot Singh will resume on zero.
While the Roar is facing the bottom team, Kelders know they still have a task at hand on day two on the road.
“It’s no easy task,” he said. ”The guys need to play for each other and build partnerships and not take any risks.
“They are a lot better outfit than earlier in the season. They had a lot of players following the cricket [the Ashes] and they are back now.
“We will not take them lightly.”
Kelders said a win here would help set up their season which is proving to be close, with just six points between first and seventh.
“We had some excellent wins against Williamstown CYMS and PEGS, hopefully we can continue that form.”
Sunbury’s second XI was 6223 at stumps against West Newport.
Anthony Riggio made 58 for the Roar.
The second XI also sits fifth on the ladder heading into the back part of the season.
