There are few at Hoppers Crossing more deserving of premiership joy than import Dinesh Daminda.
The star opening bowler has been pivotal to the Cats’ success since arriving at Hogans Road four years ago.
He’s one of the main reasons why the Cats have maintained relevance into March in the past two summers.
Last season, he helped them reach the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division finals for the first time in three seasons.
He’s having a similar impact this time around as the club embarks on a finals campaign in its first season at sub-district level.
It has been a two-way street for Daminda, who is happy to put in the hard yards for a club that has embraced him.
“It’s a part of my summer now,” the Sri Lankan told
Star Weekly. “I’ve been playing here for four years – I know everyone and they treat me well. They make me feel a part of the family.”
Daminda has taken on a heavy workload with the ball over the four seasons.
The 32-year-old churned out a massive 473 overs in his first three seasons, averaging 33 wickets a season.
His durability and consistency are as good as any in the competition.
The Cats have managed to create a much-needed safety net around their top fast bowler this summer, so not too much should be read into Daminda’s dip in numbers.
He has taken just 19 wickets but bowled only 131 overs to date, so he should be feeling fresher than ever when the finals arrive this weekend.
The beefed-up bowling department could be Hoppers Crossing’s biggest weapon in its push for a premiership. The Cats have four genuine fast bowlers – Daminda, player-coach Greg Kennedy, Alex Wyatt and Brett Smith – all feeding off one another.
Ultimately, they are making Daminda’s job a lot easier.
“We’re more like a team this year,” Daminda said.
The move to the sub-district competition has regenerated Daminda and his Cats teammates.
There’s a real buzz around the club as it embarks on a finals campaign, and Daminda is confident his side has what it takes to give the premiership a shake.
“It’s been a better competition,” he said. “Good teams, good grounds, good umpires – it’s better quality.
“It’s a great season for the club. We have a good team, everyone is together and we’re doing well at the moment. We’re looking forward to the finals.”
