NICHOLS Point’s flying start to the Sunraysia Cricket Association season has hit new heights, posting what is believed to be their highest-ever first division score against Mildura Settlers.
Coach Luke Coates said it had been an unprecedented start to the season.
“It’s a good feeling around the club, 5-0 is probably the first time we’ve ever been able to accomplish that,” he said.
“Last week was the batting innings we all needed … as the cliche goes, we let the good balls go and put the bad ones away.
“I’m pretty sure it’s actually Nichols Point’s highest score ever in first division, it would be pretty close if it’s not the highest.”
It was a noteworthy scorecard for the home team, who finished their innings all out for 351.
Captain Shaun Matthews (70), Dean Fulco (76), Shannon Bowen (77) and Dale Chappell (80) all spent significant time at the crease.
Coates said it was a good example of the team’s balance.
“What it’s come down to is the fact we’ve been able to stick to our plans and let the game come to us, instead of forcing something to happen,” he said.
“Bowling has been a good spread all year too, one person will bob up then the next someone will stand up, too.”
Despite their fiery start to the season, Coates said they would continue to respect their opposition and this round’s match against Coomealla Wentworth would be no different.
“They’re a team that can quite easily bob up and take wickets quickly or score runs quickly, we’ve just got to negate what we can and get the game on our terms,” he said.
Coomealla Wentworth and Nichols Point will meet at McLeod Oval for the first day of play on Saturday at 1pm.
