By Tara Murray
The signs are positive for the Druids as the next generation get their opportunity in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Isaac Howarth Shield.
After losing their top six scorers from last season, the Wizards decided that youth was the way to go this season.
While the younger players have shown some good signs, the side has struggled to get the results they’ve been after.
Coach Steve Nicholson said it had been a different type of season. The group got its first win of the season in the last round before the Christmas break.
“We have a young side and we knew going in it was going to be a year of blooding youngsters,” he said.
“We’ve been competitive and in games, just not getting the results that we want. All the younger ones have come in and played an important role and it’s been a good experience for them.
“It’s what the club is aiming for.”
Nicholson said it had been really exciting to see the progress of the younger players and it would hold them in good stead for the future.
Alan Luu has played a role for the bat. He’s also a bowler, but hasn’t had his chance with so many bowlers.
Jack Mosca took the gloves in the first XI for the first time on Saturday having played in some of the T20s.
Oscar Wolfe made his first XI debut on Saturday and will get his chance with the bat this week.
Nicholson said with the side completely different from last season it was always going to take some time to gel.
In the first match back after Christmas, the Druids are batting bottom side Footscray United.
On day one, the Bulldogs made 245 before being bowled out in the 78th over.
James Deasy top scored with 49.
Nicholson was the pick of the bowlers, taking 5-45 off his 23 overs.
The coach said they know that this is a really important game for both sides.
“If we bat 80 overs this Saturday, we win the game,” he said. “Half way through we were happy with how we were going, but we allowed them back into it.
“Especially with young sides, they can bowl four good balls and then one or two they stray and give an opportunity.
“It’s that experience thing and things to work on consistently bowling in good areas.
“We had a lapse but were able to respond well especially in hot conditions.”
Having come down to division 1 this season, Nicholson said they weren’t looking at what might happen at the end of the season.
He said they were focusing on week by week and giving the young guys opportunities.
“We just want to stick to the game plan for 80 overs and work the partnerships and get into good habits.”
In other matches, the Altona Roosters made 9-332 against Haig Fawkner, Seddon is chasing Sunshine’s 8-301 and Altona North made 8-309 against Oak Park St Francis de Sales.
