Tara Murray
Altona Sports are keen to see the next generation come through as two-day matches return to the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association.
Sports has had its top sides play in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association the past two seasons as they sought playing in the longer format.
But with the churches association bringing back two-day cricket, Sports has moved all its sides back into the same competition.
Altona Sports club director Dean Bryden said it was exciting to have two-day cricket back in the churches competition.
“It’s the first time in four years,” he said. “We decided to come back from the north west competition and support the league in getting two-day cricket up.
“Some of the other clubs have their lower division sides in the competition coming up against us.
“It’s different for a lot of the sides. We’re hoping to see long term growth in the association in the west.”
Bryden said it’s easier having all their teams in the same competition and there isn’t as much travel for the top sides.
He said while a premiership was their aim, they wanted to focus on developing players this year.
“We think it’ll be a year or two before the competition really kicks off,” he said. “It’s a good time for the younger guys to step forward.
“We’ve got that next generation.”
Some of the next generation were on show in Sports outright win against Werribee’s sixth XI the past two weeks in the A.E Lowe Shield.
Sports made 228 before bowling Werribee out for 25. Sports batted again and finished 1-104 before Werribee was bowled out for 87 in its second innings.
“Brayden Svilar made his first ever senior 50,” Bryden said. “He was dropped to the twos at one stage last year.
“Zac Zammit took 9-20 yesterday [on Saturday].
“They are two young guys in their early 20s and it’s good to see.”
Sports has six weekend sides again and has increased to 12 junior sides.
They will have two T20 sides this season.
Last season, they made the semi finals against teams that play on turf regularly in the NWMCA.
Excitingly for Sports, Dutch international Scott Edwards will again line up for Sports when his international commitments allow.
The first of those was is Tuesday night against Glen Orden, in the churches competition. His brother Chris Edwards was also set to play.
“This year the competition is allowing two guest players,” he said. “Scott, when he’s not going to be on tour, is coming to play for us.
“The kids come down when he plays and he sticks around for ages. It’s a real community atmosphere.
“We get about 150 people down when he’s playing, normally we get 15-20.”
Edwards is again working with Sports juniors and doing one-on-one sessions with players.
Bryden said Svilar, who is also a wicketkeeper-bat, had benefited from working with him.
