THE first outright win of the season has consolidated Mildura Settlers’ position at the top of the Sunraysia Cricket Association (SCA) ladder.
It was a dominant display by the reigning premiers and further showcased their great depth, given a number of stars were missing from Saturday’s winning line-up.
Captain Braidyn Turner said it had been a difficult year for Setts with so many forced changes, but he was hoping after the Christmas break would be able to get a much more settled line-up.
“It has been an up-and-down year for us,” Turner said yesterday.
“We have always had changes each week, blokes have been away and unavailable and I think we have only had one or two weeks where we have had a full-strength eleven.
“Hopefully after Christmas everyone sort of settles in and we can get a settled eleven for the rest of the year.
“It’s been difficult, but to be eight and two and with an outright (win), you would take that at the start of the year.”
Turner said outright wins were always difficult and when the opportunity presented itself at the weekend he had no hesitation pushing for it.
“You don’t really get a chance for an outright (win) very often so when you get the chance you have to try and take it on,” he said.
“To get an outright win at this stage of the season, it puts us in a good position with a couple of rounds to go before Christmas.”
Saturday’s win has put Setts 10 points clear of their nearest rival, Irymple, who also enjoyed a big win over a disappointing Nichols Point.
Irymple and Mildura Settlers have emerged as the early flag favourites.
Both sides have an 8-2 record and are looking strong with two rounds to go before the Christmas break.
Turner said it was important his side performed well in the next two rounds before setting themselves for a big second half of the season.
“I think we have a couple of games to go before we break for Christmas,” Turner said.
“We will get a bit of time off over Christmas and that will give us a good chance to rest up and get ourselves right for a big New Year.
“You really need to be on your game because the competition is so even.
“You only have to look at the results to see on any day, anyone can beat anyone.”
Opener Luke Stanbrook was the star in Setts’ big win over Mildura West.
Stanbrook scored 73 off 88 deliveries as the home side chased down Mildura West’s second innings total of 126 with the loss of only four wickets.
It was an impressive display by the big-hitting Stanbrook, who has enjoyed a successful return to SCA First Division cricket this season.
