Tara Murray
A new way of playing has been no issue for Newport-Digman in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield.
With a new coach in Paul Baker it has been an off season of a bit of change for the Bulls but things are going to plan so far.
Baker, who came to the club from Bacchus Marsh, said it felt like he had been at Newport-Digman for a number of years.
“I’m enjoying it,” he said. “The club has been really good.
“We have been good but we could have got some deeper scores. I’m happy with where we are at with our bowling and batting and our fielding has been quite good as well.”
Baker said his focus had been trying to get matches deeper as they aim for the top four.
He said not just the first XI, but all three sides had really taken on what he was saying.
“I’m trying to develop the way that they play,” he said. “They had a certain way of playing the last few years and I wanted to develop that deeper game with the bat.
“I think they were almost crying out for something different to be honest. We’ve been really strong across the club.
“There’s competition for positions. Our threes is a father’s side and have been able to step up when we’ve needed to.
“The club is heading in the right direction.”
Joining Baker at the Bulls this season is three players from Bacchus Marsh, who also made the switch.
He said they all live in Melbourne and with the club in the Ballarat association now the travel was getting too far.
The Bulls are in the middle of a contest with Williamstown Imperials with both sides looking for their second win of the season.
The Imperials made 224 as they were bowled out in the 67th over.
Baker said it was a solid bowling performance.
“In patches we bowled well,” he said. “We let them off the leash towards the end.
“It’s still a pretty good score. They look like a good side and bowling seems pretty strong.”
Michael Formosa took three wickets for the Bulls.
Andrew Hendry top scored for the Imperials, with 58 off 94 balls.
The Bulls will resume at 1-18. Blake Johnston is the man out.
Bakers said it was a game conducive to large scores but it will still be a challenge.
In other matches, Williamstown CYMS is in control against Sunbury.
The Imperials were bowled out for 140, with Sunbury in trouble at 5-27 at stumps.
West Newport is also in control in its match with Tullamarine.
Tullamarine is 4-41 in reply to West Newport’s 247.
In the senior division, Yarraville Club is 0-36 in reply to Sunshine United’s 204.
In the Isaacs Howarth Shield, Seddon was bowled out for 200 by the Altona Roosters, Footscray United is 0-33 in reply to Haig Fawkner’s 208, Druids are 0-7 in reply to the Doutta Stars and Altona North needs 277 against Sunshine.
