Tara Murray
It was a day to forgot for Sunbury in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield on Saturday.
After rain had washed out two of the three days of play previously, the Roar was keen to get out on the field against West Newport.
It was a rusty Sunbury side which conceded first innings points on day one of the match.
Roar’s Marty Kelders said it wasn’t the day they were after and that it could only get better from there.
“We had a really good start and were about 1-45,” he said. “I think it was then a combination of some really good bowling and some poor shot selection.
“The guys have to play 80 over cricket and that was the crux of it.”
The Roar won the toss and decided to bat. It lasted just 38 overs, bowled out for just 84.
Paul Webber and Indika Massalage top scored with 19 for the Roar.
Kelders said it was their first time batted in game and it showed a bit in their shots.
It’s not the first time in recent seasons the Roar have had some batting collapses.
“We’ve had an inconsistent team [over recent years] and that is part of the problem,” Kelders said. “A lot of the players are playing together for the first time and we still need to gel.
“It is what it is.”
The Roar started well with the ball before West Newport responded and made it to 5-102 at stumps.
Kelders said they put them under a lot of pressure but the likes of Simpson Obed were able to steady.
Brad Hunter has three wickets for the Roar.
While the Roar conceded first innings points, Kelders said they were hoping to turn it around on day two.
He said they know they’re playing one of the top teams in the division.
“They have passed our score but hopefully we can get a good start and we can play well enough to win on the second innings.
“They are a very good team and their captain Trent Jones. There’s some good things for us to learn from.”
Kelders said elsewhere things were tracking along nicely.
He said their wicket at Clarke Oval was in the best condition it had been in.
Kelders said Ashan Ranaweera was doing as well as their coach trying to make a few changes which won’t happen overnight.
He said they were excited how they would all come to fruition.
