Sunbury’s bowlers continue to step up and get the job done in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield.
Coming off two straight wins, the Roar’s challenges continued against Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s at Clarke Oval on Saturday.
After day one of the clash, the Roar is in complete control as it aims for a hat-trick of wins.
The Roar’s Marty Kelders said the group picked up where they had left off from the round before.
“It was a really good day,” he said. “In the scheme of things it was a vital win.
“To the team’s credit they bowled really well.”
While Clarke Oval isn’t known as a high scoring ground due to a slow outfield, the Roar was thrilled to have bowled the Lions out for 136.
Kelders said it was a really good result against a good side.
“Maribyrnong Park has a very strong batting line up,” he said. “We constantly took wickets.
“One of their better bats, Shasheen Fernando, had a good innings, but we continued to break partnerships which was the key.
“It was a good bowling performance restricting them after they decided to bat.”
Skipper Ashan Ranaweera took three wickets, while Jason McGann took two wickets.
The Roar then had to face 11 overs at the end of the day.
It will resume at 0-10 with Sandil Wijesooriya and Sumedha Gamage at the crease having both faced 33 balls.
After losing early wickets in situations like this earlier in the season, Kelders said the last couple of wickets they’d showed more composure in these situations.
“It sets us up for next week,” he said. “We did pretty well last round as well.
“It’s always difficult having to face those overs at the end of the day. We got through OK and fingers crossed we bat well next week.”
A win could move the Roar into the top four with two rounds remaining.
Kelders said despite that they were just focusing on one week at a time knowing there’s some challenges in the run home.
The Roar was also in action on Tuesday in its T20 clash with Sydenham-Hillside. It was the first time the club had hosted a T20 match on turf.
The Storm made 9-130 from its overs with Dylan Knight top scoring
The Roar had a terrible start with the bat and was in trouble at 5-8. It crumbled to be all out for 64.
Darcy Edwards took 4-11 for the Storm.
Kelders said the T20 matches weren’t about the scoreboard. The Roar finished with two wins in the competition.
“It was tough and we knew that going into it,” he said. “Our young players get a lot out of it.
“I don’t look at the scoreboard, it’s pleasing to play these matches irrespective of how we play.
“Sydenham-Hillside are a really good bunch of guys and they hung around. We say every game we can put our facilities on show is a win for us.”
