Tara Murray
Lancefield opened its account with a strong run chase against Rupertswood in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield on Saturday.
After a solid first up performance against last season’s grand finalists, Harkness (formerly St Anthonys), the Tigers timed their run to perfection on Saturday.
Rupo made 3-247 from its overs with Bert van den Heuvel making a century.
It all single wicket takers for the Tigers.
The Tigers had plenty of contributors throughout their run chase and hit the winning runs with four balls remaining.
The Tigers finished 8-250. Lachlan Mitchell top scored with 68 not out.
Tigers captain-coach Alan Sinclair, who made 57, said before the game that things were pretty positive heading into the season.
He said the first couple of matches would give them a good idea of where they are at facing two strong sides.
“We’ve got three teams again and obviously we didn’t get the win last week, but there were still positive signs making almost 200 on our home deck in round one,” he said.
“We’ve probably got four-five new blokes.Young Cam Osmond played at Assumption and Wallan and then Trent McNamara from Greensborough as well.
“The inclusion of Matt Bowden back in the team as well. He was a brilliant player for us the last few years so it’s good to have him back.
“It’s looking up.”
Sinclair said having Bowden back in the side was massive for them. He said they know once he gets going that he is always going to do something with the ball in hand.
“Give him a couple of games to warm up and I’m sure he’ll rip into a few batting line ups.”
Sinclair also returns to the line up after tearing his ACL early last season.
He said while he’s not at 100 per cent he’s working back towards his best.
The inclusions have meant the Tigers will have three sides again this season.
“There was a stage there I thought we would only get two, but with these new blokes, I’m consistently getting these players each week,” Sinclair said.
“Not only is it good for the ones, it’s good for the younger boys and the juniors coming through to have that thirds team to get some experience in.”
Sinclair said they were keen to build on what they did last season when they made the semi finals in his first year in charge.
“This season I think we’ve got a stronger line up, the teams have changed and we’ve got Riddell in the comp, who have dropped down and I think will be pretty strong,” he said.
“We’re just building up week by week and taking every game on its merit.”
The Tigers face Wallan this Saturday in round three.
The Magpies have one win as well from their first two games.
