Tara Murray
A bit more belief and consistency are the keys for Yarraville to take the next step in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west.
The Eagles have had a mixed season this year, which was shown on the weekend, and sit in the middle of the table with two rounds remaining.
Eagles coach Jonah Koch said it had been an interesting season.
“We’re progressing OK,” he said. “I think it’s a bit of consistency and a bit of belief. We have beaten some good sides and lost to some sides we thought we could have played better against.
“We’re not that far away.”
The tail of the Eagles season was on show on the weekend, as they faced Altona and Taylors Lakes in back-to-back one-dayers.
On Saturday, Koch said it was a disappointing performance. The Eagles made 7-162 from their overs with Adam Williamson top scoring with 37.
“The batting left a little bit to be desired,” Koch said. “We needed a few more blokes to stand up.
“That score felt defendable but we needed to execute with the ball and in the field. We needed to get everything right.”
The Eagles had the A’s in trouble at 3-8 before they steadied and went on to make 5-163.
Matthew (67) and James Grubb (53) were the keys to getting the A’s over the line.
Ashish Mathew took 3-25 for the Eagles.
It was a different story on Sunday, as the Eagles played some of their best cricket to beat Taylors Lakes.
The Eagles bowled the Lions out for 96 in just the 27th over.
Mathew was the star of the show, taking 6-28 off his nine overs. The Lions had little issues in the run chase, finishing 3-100 in reply.
“It’s amazing how quickly things change,” Koch said. “We needed to execute all our plans.
“We had good energy in the field and it was quite warm. There was a little bit of energy and everything went right, all the edges went to fielders.
“They have a really good bowling attack, but getting the runs was hassle free.”
The Eagles sit in 11th spot with two rounds remaining. They are still a mathematical chance of making finals, but everything would have to go their way.
“I think we would need a miracle,” Koch said. “We have Strathmore in ta two day game hopefully get that one and St Bernard’s at the end of the year who look like playing best cricket/
We want to finish the year strong and it’s a good building block into next season. We can still shape the ladder as we get to the end of the season.”
Altona also had a split weekend, losing to Kew on Sunday after making just 147.
Ladder leaders Spotswood beat Williamstown in a high scoring affair on Saturday before an upset loss to Ivanhoe on Sunday.,
Williamstown bounced back and kept its finals hopes alive with a win against Hoppers Crossing on Sunday.
