More depth is proving to be the difference for Footscray United in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Isaacs Howarth Shield.
The Bulldogs had their moments last season but have shown some more consistency this season.
Coach Michael Deasy said the season had started off really well.
“We’re playing a fairly good team game at the moment,” he said. “Lots of people are contributing.
“We’ve got a lot of guys making 50s. We’ve got guys taking wickets and scoring runs, we’re doing really well.”
Deasy said the biggest thing they had found this season was having a bit more depth across the club.
He said it was having an impact on the way they play.
“We’ve got depth in our batting and bowling,” he said. “We’ve still got players to come back into the team.
“Our bowling is a lot stronger. Will Sheffield and his mate Isaac Heater can both take wickets and are making sure we take them.
“We have a stronger group in the seconds and the club is in a stronger place.”
On Saturday, the Bulldogs match with Oak Park St Francis de Sales went down to the final over.
The Bulldogs made 5-214 from their overs.
Daniel Melican (61 not out), Dulan Pabasara Waduge (53) and Shehan Fernando (51) all made half centuries.
The Saints had a good challenge at the total and took it up to the Bulldogs.
Melican took on the responsibility of bowling the final over.
“They are a quality team and have some good players who put the pressure on us,” Deasy said.
“We were able to take some wickets. It was tough as it was close and we had to breathe a little bit.
“We were happy for it to go our way.”
The Saints finished 9-205.
Melican and Rajesh Magar took two wickets each for the Bulldogs.
The win takes the Bulldogs to 3-1, one of three teams at the top of the table with that record.
Deasy said they were focused on trying to make the top four this season.
The Bulldogs face Haig Fawkner the next two weekends.
Deasy said it would be another tough challenge.
In other matches, the Druids got the points against the Altona Roosters.
The Wizards made 8-186 with number 10 Akshat Prajapati top scoring with 53 not out.
The Roosters were bowled out for 147 in reply.
Leigh Lewis top scored with 30 for the Roosters.
Seddon fell just short against Doutta Stars.
The Dockers made 7-179 from their overs with Tom Foulds top scoring with 57.
The Stars made the runs with three overs remaining, finishing 6-180.
