Danny Law has been a standout for Keilor since crossing over in the VTCA. 58555 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Liam Twomey
THE last year has resembled something of a roller-coaster ride for the Keilor Cricket Club.
Since being relegated to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s North Division 12 months ago the club has barely tasted defeat.
As finals approach, the Blues are on top of the ladder and will be looking to complete the turn around with a premiership win and promotion back to the top grade.
Coach Nigel Freebairn was rapt with the way his club had responded to the disappointment of relegation.
“This season was always a bit of an unknown having not played in this division before. We weren’t sure what we would be up against but what we did know was that we could certainly control our own performances,” Freebairn said.
“We had a debrief at the end of last season and formulated a plan to be able to put our best foot forward. I think we have done that to date and found some areas that we needed to improve on in terms of personnel.
“We recruited players that would get us to the end and so far it has worked.”
The two standout recruits have been former Williamstown CYMS all rounder Danny Law and fast bowler Dan Schuppan.
Law has taken all before him in his role as captain, leading from the front with both bat and ball, while Schuppan has taken the most wickets in the competition.
The Blues are also rebuilding the junior program and Freebairn said it was great to have Law and Schuppan involved in that process.
“That was a big focus with the players that we recruited with Premier and First Class experience. They understand also about the values in developing the juniors,” Freebairn said.
“A very good structure has been put in place which is being overseen by some very good people. The juniors are our future. We like to grow as many home grown players as we possibly can.”
On the back of the outstanding contributions from the two gun recruits, Keilor has been almost untouchable in the VTCA.
The Blues have lost just two matches this season and are also dominating in the seconds and thirds.
Despite the outstanding results, Freebairn can still see some improvement in the side he hopes will carry it through to a premiership.
“We have dealt with a little bit of inconsistency as far as the batters haven’t been performing up to the standards set that will be necessary to go all the way.”
That inconsistency was evident on Saturday as Keilor was bowled out for 98 in its first innings to succumb to just its second defeat of the year, this time against Tullamarine by 123 runs.
The Blues will look to bounce back this week against Old Essendon Grammarians.
