Tara Murray
Things are starting to come together for Altona Roosters in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield.
After a slow start to the season, the Roosters have won their last four games, including two against sides in the top four.
Coach Jack Blythman said they were happy with how things were going, with the side sitting in fourth spot.
“It’s coming together really nicely,” he said. “We started off a bit slow. We have an older playing group and the guys are starting to warm up.
“We’re starting to build all three phases of the game and working well together. We want to build to be in the top two and get a home final.”
Blythman said they believe they are a better two-day side which will hold them in good stead, but showed with their win against Grand United before Christmas they can do it in the shorter format as well.
On Saturday, the Roosters were able to get the runs against West Newport, which sits in third spot.
The Roosters restricted the Lions to 104 on day one of the match. The Roosters managed to get the job done, finishing 7-121.
“The key was our bowling pressure,” he said. “We executed well even without one of our opening bowlers.
“We then grinded away at the score and it didn’t really reflect how comfortably we got the job done.”
Nadeera Thuppahi top scored with 35 for the Roosters.
Blythman said now in a good spot, they were hoping to use it as a platform for the rest of the season.
“It’s about making sure we are doing our roles,” he said. “Ash [Peters[ and I work really closely together as captain and coach.
“It’s the first time in a long time we haven’t had a playing coach. The boys know what is required and hopefully it all comes together.”
The challenges continue for the Roosters with a two-day match starting this Saturday, against second placed Tullamarine.
Blythman said it should be a ripper of a game and they hoped playing at home would be beneficial as they know the conditions.
Elsewhere in the club, Blythman said things were going well with the majority of their sides in finals positions.
“There is a really enthusiastic group of players,” he said. “We’re keeping on encouraging people to get around the club, it’s a good place to be.”
In other matches, Williamstown CYMS beat Newport-Digman.
In the senior division, Yarraville Club suffered a shock loss to Westmeadows, while the Druids lost to Aberfeldie.
