Roar makes it two in a row

Virosh Wijesinghe. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 449516_05

By Tara Murray

Sunbury made it two in a row as it continues to build in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield.

The Roar was at home on Saturday against Newport-Digman in a one-dayer.

Both sides were missing players with the long weekend and it was the Roar that came out on top after a strong bowling display.

The Roar’s Marty Kelders said it was another good day for the club.

“It was a really solid win,” he said. “We had a couple of younger fellows step up with players away.

“It bodes well for the future to see them come up.”

The Roar sent the Bulls in and it proved to be the right decision, with the bowlers getting the job done in 34 overs.

The Bulls were bowled out for 99.

Zac Corcoran, who was one of the players to come up from the second XI, took four wickets, while the skipper Ashan Ranaweera took three wickets.

“Our bowlers did a really good job,” Kelders said.

Kelders said while needing 100 was one of those difficult total to chase, it was never enough to put real pressure on them.

The Roar got the runs in the 34th over, finishing 6-100.

“Our ground is not a high scoring ground,” Kelders said. “Our batsmen were able to get the job done.

“Two young fellows Virosh Wijesinghe and Sandil Wijesooriya batted well late in the innings.”

Wijesinghe top scored with 32 not out.

The win has the Roar in sixth spot, only three points outside the top four.

Kelders said they had a really settled squad now and that things were starting to look up.

“We are in a very good place,” he said.

The challenges continue for the Roar which faces fourth placed Maribyrnong Park St Marys.

The Lions would have been higher had they not been deducted points.

“They have the best bowler and the best batter statistically,” Kelders said. “It will be a challenge as they are one of the teams to beat this season.”

Before then, the Roar is in action on Tuesday night in the T20 competition.

The club will host its first ever T20 match on turf against Sydenham-Hillside.

Kelders said the competition was about continuing to grow.

“We play a senior division side,” he said. “We played St Albans earlier and they had a good win against us.

“There’s a lot gained out of those games and the younger players get a lot out of it.

“We enjoy the T20s irrespective of who we play.”