Tara Murray
Bellbridge was left thinking what might have been after Victorian Turf Cricket Association cancelled all games on Saturday.
The Bears had already claimed first innings points against St Andrews Footscray on day one of the match in the Evans-Clark Shield.
With a lead of 135 and six wickets in hand, the Bears were in complete control.
While they were one of two teams to walk away with first innings points, captain Dillon Hinge knows that it could have been more.
“We knew on the weekend we were a chance for an outright and we would get a jump start to the season,” he said.
“It wasn’t the way it panned out, but it was good that we were able to get first innings points.”
Hinge said had it stayed as report to grounds, they were confident they would have been able to get onto and play.
He said it makes it a little bit harder knowing they could have played, but understands why all games were called off.
Having bowled St Andrews Footscray out for 68 and then made 4-203, Hinge said they were thrilled with how the first day of the match played out.
Steve Kelaart top scored with 70 at the top of the order.
“It’s my sixth year at the club and I feel like it’s our first complete performance in my time at the club,” Hinge said.
“I commended them for that sort of effort. All three areas just clicked.”
Hinge said after picking up a few players in the off season, there was more competition for spots.
He said there had also been some continuous growth in the players that were already at the club.
“There’s competition for spots and it propels people to have better form,” he said. “They are fighting for spots and it helps keep them at their peak.”
Hendro Dias has joined the club from Hoppers Crossing, joining a friend who joined the club the season before.
Colin Weller and Ryan Kukucka both came down to the club, which was a bonus.
“They weren’t on our radar,” Hinge said. “We need these blokes and it adds to our list of younger guys.
“Since I’ve been here it’s been about making Bellbridge, not a destination club, but someone people love to go down to.
“The culture is really good. It’s a lot harder for a little club to get people in. We want to get the right people down, who want to be part of the club.”
Bellbridge faces Sunshine YCW in a two-dayer starting Saturday.
Hinge said they have a clear focus this season.
“A pass mark is playing finals,” he said. “We’ve been in division 4 for three seasons now and just missed out on finals.
“The hunger throughout the whole group is there. Our thirds won a premiership in the churches (Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association) and that is coming through all the season grades.”
