Tara Murray
Yarraville’s youth is learning on the go in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west.
The Eagles have blooded a number of young players already this season but with it has come some tough results with just one win from the first five games.
Eagles captain-coach Michael Sheedy said things haven’t fallen their way as of yet.
“We have 27 new players across the whole club,” he said. “We had just four players on the weekend in the first XI, who were playing in the first XI last season.
“With seven new players in the first XI we’re learning the way we want to play. It’s taking time to gel.
“We have a good mixture of youth and experience, we’re just not winning some of the key moments.”
Sheedy said it had been exciting to see some of the younger players get their opportunities early in the season.
Samar Partap Singh is just 13 and Sheedy said they believe he is the youngest ever debutant in Subbies first XI.
He said that he is a really special talent.
Jett Thomas has been bowling well, while Kamal Singh has also made his first XI debut.
“We’ve got some talent there,” Sheedy said. “They just need some senior cricket under their belts.”
On the weekend, the Eagles lost to Altona.
Many matches ended in draws on Sunday following rain meant late starts and reduction of overs.
After playing until 7.20pm, Sheedy said they would seek clarification about the rules of playing after 6.30pm due to some of the other results.
On day one, Altona made 234 after deciding to bat.
Matthew Turcinovich top scored with 60.
Akshat Buch took four wickets for the Eagles, while William Sheffield took three.
The Eagles were in trouble early with the bat and most of their top and middle order failed.
There was a late comeback by the tail but it fell short as the Eagles were bowled out for 201.
Buch, who came in at number 10, top scored with 60.
Sheedy said it was disappointing not to get the job done after working hard to get back into the game.
“We were 8-80 and in trouble,” he said. “Buch and myself tried to knock off as many as we could.
“I got caught in the deep. Had I had been caught, I think we would have chased it down.”
Sheedy said they had made a focus on partnerships and trying to break records, with that partnership almost a club record.
Tom McConville took three wickets for Altona.
In other matches, Spotswood just missed out on victory against Williamstown.
The Woodsmen made 265 after deciding to bat with Lachie McKenna cashing in and making 104.
Jarrod Martignago also had a long stay at the crease, making 74.
Seagulls captain Sean Sturrock took 5-54.
The Seagulls innings struggled to get going with only two partnerships above 40.
They finished the day at 9-181, to ensure they took home three points.
Brent Hodges top scored with 46 for the Seagulls.
Dan Schuppan took six wickets for the Woodsmen.
