By Tara Murray
Westmeadows has opened its account in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Tony Issacs Shield division 1 north.
After a poor start in the opening round loss, the Warriors were able to put in a strong all round performance against PEGS on Saturday.
PEGS made 9-192 from its overs, with Warriors chase the runs down with plenty of time to spare.
The Warriors finished 4-196.
Warriors captain-coach Tarek Moughanie said it was pleasing to get the win, but was how it was achieved that was more pleasing.
“We bowled and fielded a lot better than we did in the first game,” he said.
“The batsmen converted their starts, as well, which we didn’t have in the first round.”
Moughanie said while the players were chasing nearly 200 for the win, they were confident.
He said a good pitch and quick out field helped their cause.
“We thought if we could get a couple of partnerships, and with the attacking way we play, it was quite achievable,” he said.
“We were 2-120 off 20 overs with a lot of quality still in the line-up to come.”
Moughanie led from the front with 77 at the top of the order.
Chinthaka Jayasinghe finished 41 not out.
Having claimed what is now known as the Steve McNamara Shield division 2 title last season and going up a grade in the off-season, the
Warriors have worked on keeping the group together.
They lost Sathpath Kamburugamuwa, who had to move to Adelaide, but gained Darrel Brown and Shaun Guerra.
Moughanie said they were happy with their squad this season. They had applied to fill the spot left by Tullamarine in the senior division, but had been unsuccessful.
“Darrel is a long-term star of the VTCA who is in his twilight,” he said.
“He bowled well on Saturday and wound back the clock.
“Shaun Guerra comes across from Keilor and played at Taylors Lakes and is handy to have in the team.
“He brings some experience in the middle order.”
Moughanie said they still had at least 15 to 25 per cent improvement to come and would take a bit of time to settle into the season after an indifferent pre-season.
He said he thought they had a more balanced line-up than last season, but knows they won’t get the easy wins they got last year.
“The expectation is we need to continue to improve,” he said.
“Looking at the line-up we have, we would be disappointed if we didn’t finish in the top half.
“We wouldn’t have played to our potential if we didn’t finish in the top half. We want to try and get the best out of this group.”
MORE VTCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/keilors-tail-end-slips-up/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sydenham-hillside-fade-against-wyndham-vale/
