Bellbridge drew a line through its own name two weeks ago when conversation turned to the VTCA west A1 finals.
The Bears were on the receiving end of heavy defeats to finals-bound sides Seabrook and Grand United either side of the Christmas break, and the manner of the losses were a concern.
“We had a bit of a deep and meaningful to see where we wanted to head,” Bears’ veteran Mark Croswell said.
“It’s about people taking pride in their performance from now on.
“That’s going to be the main thing.”
Bellbridge has taken steps in the right direction since those talks. The Bears have strung together consecutive wins, albeit against bottom sides Williamstown Congs and County West.
It’s not the results that have pleased Croswell, but the intent.
“We’ve been a bit more energized,” he said. “It’s about being as competitive as we can be.
“It’s pleasing to get two wins in a row.”
Bellbridge did what most other sides have done this season and totally dismantled struggling newcomers County West by 140 runs at Mossfiel Reserve.
Bears’ bowlers came out breathing fire, routing County West for just 46. New ball operators Croswell (3-16) and Andrew Wilks (2-16) combined for five wickets, before Patrick Lee (3-8) and Adam Masterson (1-5) finished the job.
More pleasing for Bellbridge was its strong batting performance. For once, there was no dramatic tale to tell, just a solid score of 6-186 from their 40 overs.
“The focus has got to be on our batting because it has been our Achilles heel for the season,” Croswell said.
“It was a big emphasis for us.”
Bellbridge passed the target two down before Bhavin Patel (65) and Steve Kelaart (35 not out) had a bit of fun dispatching the County West bowlers to all sections.
Middle order production has been an issue for the Bears this season, but perhaps a Patel and Kelaart partnership can be the way forward.
“It’s something that we really haven’t had in the middle order this year,” Croswell said.
Bellbridge moves up to seventh, 22 points outside the top four, and can play the role of finals’ spoiler against fifth-placed Williamstown Colts in a two-day game at Greenwich Reserve starting Saturday.
