By Tara Murray
A strong fourth-wicket partnership has prevented Bundoora being bowled out cheaply in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield.
Take out the partnership between Narinder Sharma and Asharn Hodge, and the scorecard would not make for pretty reading.
Bulls coach Jason Kaminski said it certainly wasn’t the best performance with the bat.
“We got off to a slow start,” he said.
“We had a long partnership in the middle … we could have been bowled out for under 100.
“It wasn’t the best batting performance, but the bowlers did bowl in the right areas and made us play some shots we didn’t want to play.
“We let ourselves down on a few. We lost six for about 20 odd. It’s becoming a habit of getting some good scores before losing wickets in a clump.”
In the end, Bundoora was bowled out for 138. Sharma top scored with 57, while Hodge made 38.
No other batsman made more than eight.
Epping faced three overs at the end of the day, finishing 0-5.
Kaminski is hoping for a good performance with the ball on two day to grab another win and move above Epping on the ladder.
Currently the two teams sit second and third, with percentage separating.
“If we can get over the line, it will help set up our season,” he said.
“We haven’t been 4-1 in a long time. We finished last season winning our last three games and we have continued that momentum into this season.”
The coach said returning to finals for the first time since 2012-13 was the aim.
He said the side had gelled really well together, with most players having been at the club for a couple of years.
“We’ve got to know each other and the way everyone plays,” he said. “We’re playing more as a group.”
Kaminski said the great atmosphere around was helping with results.
The Bulls are fielding four senior teams this season, up from three last season.
In the Money Shield, Mernda has conceded first-innings points against Lower Plenty.
Lalor Stars are chasing Heidelberg’s 189, while Bundoora United needs quick wickets against Greensborough.
Mill Park has conceded first-innings points to Banyule and is in trouble in its second innings.
