NEW Mildura West coach Davison Mbindi is certainly enjoying having Chris Williams back in the side.
After missing the first match, Williams peeled off his second consecutive score in the 70s, to go with figures of 3/20 with the ball, as West moved into the top four with a big win over Mildura East in Sunraysia cricket on Saturday.
But as good as the veteran all-rounder’s performances have been, it is the emergence of Mildura West’s crop of youngsters that has Mbindi just as buoyant after three rounds.
“Obviously Chris is a really, really quality player, he hits the ball crisply, is very offensively minded and goes at the bowlers hard,” Zimbabwean import Mbindi said.
“Having him in the side allows the other guys to just bat around him and let him express himself.”
Saturday’s win, however, was set up by the bowling and fielding performance earlier in the day.
And that was where West’s young group made its mark.
Mildura East batted first, but was unable to find any momentum against the tight West attack, which was supported by brilliant fielding in the ring.
“We are a side with a lot of explosive youngsters in the field, so we make it a focus to compliment the bowlers with the fielding,” Mbindi said.
“They struggled to get anything off the square early and we kept them at bay.”
East captain Josh Berry was particularly subdued opening the batting, chewing up 52 balls for just 12 in the 40 over per side match.
Brett Higgins, who top scored the previous week for East, also struggled to find the gaps, making 4 from 24 balls.
Shane Triscoll was particularly impressive for West, conceding just 14 runs from his eight overs, while Williams and Rhiann O’Donnell snared three wickets each as East limped to 132.
Williams blistering 76 off 67 balls, including nine fours, ensured West made light work of the run chase, before Mbindi put the finishing touches on with an unbeaten 15 to get his team home by seven wickets and with 15 overs to spare.
“We are not looking too far ahead, but so far, so good,” Mbindi said. “The main thing is the youngsters are willing to learn and are open to suggestions. I’m really enjoying it and hopefully the whole team is, too.
“We will keep working on all three departments (batting, bowling and fielding) and that will make us a team to be reckoned with.”
