Yarraville Club’s batting line up is already starting to build momentum in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
One of the more experienced top orders, the Clubbers have seen a range of scores from their top six in the first three games.
It has the Clubbers in a good spot, with two wins from their opening three matches with the other match washed out.
“We have been playing really well,” Clubbers captain-coach Mitch Johnstone said.
“The week before was disappointing as we were in the box seat and we couldn’t do anything with the weather.
“It stung us a little bit. It was good to follow it up yesterday [Saturday].”
The Clubbers entered Saturday’s one-dayer with Westmeadows without Trent Lawford and young bowler Shriram Rangaraju, who Johnstone said had been their best seam bowler this season so far.
He said without those two players it was a danger game against a strong Westmeadows side.
After being sent in on their home deck, the Clubbers made 5-252 from their overs.
Dilan Chandima made 109 not out off 120 balls to bat through the innings.
Michael Hill (46) and Viraj Lakshitha (33) also made handy contributions.
It means the Clubbers have had three century makers in as many games, with Lawford and Hill having made one each in the previous two matches.
“Dilan has been impressive since he got here three or four months ago,” Johnstone said.
“He fields well and bowls well and we’re now seen what he can do with the bat.
“There were some great contributions around him and he was the centerpiece.
“Viraj has had a good start to the season as well. The top six is building in momentum.”
While happy with the batting, Johnstone said their bowling still needs a bit of work.
Westmeadows managed to make 237 before being bowled out in the final over.
“We have to be more connected with the ball,” he said. “ Westmeadows got a bit closer than I would have liked.”
Josh Eaton and Johnstone took two wickets each for the Clubbers.
Among those who were part of the win on Saturday, was James Damjanovski, who was set to retire in the off season.
Johnstone laughed he’d had more comebacks than John Farnham.
“We’re assessing what the summer looks like,” he said about Damjanovski.
“He’s the glue among the group and it has felt different when he’s out.”
Johnstone said they had a tough little patch coming up and wanted to nail the next two games to give them a good platform.
In other matches, Altona North proved no match for Deer Park.
The Lions made 6-334 from their overs.
Dylan Achison took two wickets for Altona North.
Altona North was then bowled out for 174 in reply. Altona North had put on 120 for the first wicket before collapsing.
Haydn Wilkinson top scored with 71, while Nicholas Rainone made 47.
