Tara Murray
Footscray United is building into the Victoria Turf Cricket Association Isaacs Howarth Shield season.
With a new coach and some new players, it’s a different team for the Bulldogs in their second season in this division.
With a win on the board, coach Michael Deasy said they were settling into the season.
“I think we are building,” he said. “I think we have a strong batting line up.
“We’ve got a couple of new players. Raj [Rajesh Magar] started off really well but has gone overseas to play. He won’t be back until after Christmas.
“He was a big factor in getting things going. I think with a few new players we are learning to gel together and play good cricket.
“We won last week and hopefully we can make the runs on a big ground this week.”
The Bulldogs had a solid first day out against PEGS on Saturday in their round five clash.
PEGS were bowled out for 238 in the 73rd over,
“I think our bowlers did the job,” Deasy said. “I was happy with how they bowled.
“We could have kept them to a little bit less.”
Daniel Deasy took 5-72 for the Bulldogs, while Frank Hoang took three wickets.
Michael Deasy said they were confident of getting the job done on day two.
They will resume at 0-16 with James Deasy (11 not out) and Hoang (three not out) at the crease.
“We gave no chances,” he said. “We sent in a player that normally isn’t an opener, but I’ve been told he has done it before.
“Our keeper normally opens and it was a hot day so we wanted to make sure we didn’t lose a wicket.
“We have to make 220-odd to win. It’s a big ground and a good wicket. If we can bat well we should get the runs.”
Deasy said the aim for the group this season was to make the top four.
In other matches, Seddon made 214 against Oak Park St Francis de Sales.
Liam Braithwaite top scored with 50 for the Dockers.
It was wickets galore in Altona Roosters match with Sunshine.
The Roosters were bowled out for 111 with the Crows, 5-79 in reply.
The Druids have already conceded first innings points against Haig Fawkner.
It was a tough day for the Druids with the bat as they were bowled out for 69 in the 33rd over.
Haig Fawkner finished the day at 5-193.
In senior division, Yarraville Club is 4-53 in reply to Deer Park’s 172.
