By Ewen McRae
Bellbridge is on the board for the 2018-19 season, proving far too strong for Melton South in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield division 5.
After an even performance with both bat and ball, Bellbridge captain Adam Masterson said it was good to get their first win after slipping up in the opening round.
“We batted really well to start off with, got what we thought was a pretty defendable score, and then executed really well with the ball so we’re pretty happy overall,” Masterson said.
“We’re 1-1 now so it’s good to square the ledger.
“We’ve been trying to drum into the guys that it’s a team game and we all have to chip in, so we’re happy if everyone can get a start that puts us in a good starting place … if someone can go on and get a big score that’s a bonus.”
While no Bellbridge player scored more than 24, five players made scores in the 20s to steadily build the total and ensure that wickets didn’t fall in clusters early in the day.
Blake Mensch (22), Patrick Lee (22), Matthew Edsall (24), Leigh Medhurst (20 not out) and Masterson (21) were the backbone of the innings as Bellbridge finished its 40 overs with 8-176.
In reply, Melton South never really got going, as Andrew Wilks (3-19) did the damage with the new ball, and Lee (3-30) cleaned up the lower order to topple the Royals for 140.
All five Bellbridge bowlers grabbed a wicket in a good sign for the season.
Masterson said he had confidence in his bowlers once they had the score on the board.
“We knew it was a good score, but the outfield was quick so we still had to do the job with the ball,” he said.
“So long as they were tight early we thought we’d be good enough and give ourselves the best chance of winning. All the bowlers got tidy figures which is very pleasing.”
With the first win out of the way, Masterson said he was hopeful of a successful year following the addition of some key recruits over the winter.
“It should be a really even comp,” Masterson said.
“Anyone can beat anyone on their day, so you can’t look too far ahead of yourself but we think we’ll have a pretty competitive season.
“We did a bit of recruiting to help us out this year, we’ve got a bloke from England [Jonathan Newis] to come over and help us out and he’s slotted in well, and we also got Faraz Mahmood from Wyndhamvale Suns, who wanted to play a bit of turf, which is good for us.”
Bellbridge will take on Flemington this weekend in the first two-day match of the season.
MORE VTCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/openers-show-the-way/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/craigieburns-ideal-start/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/extra-pain-for-melton-south-royals/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/openers-lead-the-way/
