Tara Murray
Sunbury was able to put it all together for the first time this Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 season on Saturday and reaped the rewards.
Having had a disappointing start to the season, the Roar put out a strong performance against Pascoe Vale Hadfield.
It was a big occasion for the Roar as the first XI played on the turf wicket at Clarke Oval for the first time.
Roar playing coach Jace Carton said it was good to see the side put it all together.
“It’s the first game they’ve played well for the whole day,” he said. “The games we’ve lost we’ve been right in those games, we just haven’t played for 100 per cent of the game.
“It’s nice to finally get the win and all the boys did their part which was really good.”
Carton said they spoke about the occasion and finally getting to play on Clarke Oval before the match, with most of the group having made the trek to Progress Reserve the last couple of seasons.
Pascoe Vale Hadfield won the toss and elected to bat. With neither side having played on the wicket before, it was going to be a test.
The Roar bowled Pascoe Vale Hadfield out for just 97 in the 39th over.
Stephen Treweek took four wickets, while Michael Treweek, Isaac Carton and Jason McGowan took three wickets each.
Carton said they were happy with that performance.
“Our bowlers bowled exceptionally well and we also fielded really well,” he said. “Everyone played their role and knew what their role was.”
Carton said despite chasing a low total, they were still weary of not making the runs.
“Chasing scores like that you can lose quick wickets,” he said. “To reach the score one down was really good.
“ Lachie Treweek and Sajith Kalumpriya (60 not out) had a good opening partnership with Kevin Barker making 20 not out.
“They did really well.”
The win has Sunbury sitting in eighth spot, three points outside the top four.
Carton said they hoped that this would kick start their season.
“We spoke about that after the game,” he said. “We’ve now got a win on the board and confidence and hopefully we can take that into this weekend playing Saturday and Sunday.
“We want to get back in the pack and be in the mix for the top four. We need four or five wins going into Christmas.”
Meanwhile, the VTCA T20 competition gets underway on Wednesday night. The Roar, which is in a pool group with Melton South Royals and Burnside Springs, will face Burnside Springs at Clarke Oval.
