Sport
22 December, 2022
Lakers rewarded
LAST weekend’s victory over Woorndoo was “reward for effort” for Camperdown’s division one cricketers according to coach Jye McLaughlin.
LAST weekend’s victory over Woorndoo was “reward for effort” for Camperdown’s division one cricketers according to coach Jye McLaughlin.
The Lakers notched up their first win of the season, much to the relief of McLaughlin.
“We’ve been chipping away at it this season; it’s been difficult having only played three games and a twenty20 but last weekend really was reward for effort,” McLaughlin said.
“The boys have done the hard yards, they’ve persevered and just kept at it.”
McLaughlin made special mention of Tharinda Rukshan who finished just five runs short of a century, notching up a season-high 95 not out.
“We realised with four balls to go that he (Rukshan) needed a six to make the century so it’s a shame he didn’t quite get there on Saturday; but I’ve got no doubt there’ll be plenty of other opportunities for him to get that,” McLaughln said.
“He has been a great inclusion in our side, both on and off the field. For a 30-year-old, who has a wife and young child back in Sri Lanka, to come over here for the summer and play South West cricket is a huge effort; he’s been amazing and we’re all very grateful to have him here.”
Rukshan was well supported at the crease by McLaughlin, who also contributed a handy 48 not out on his side’s way to victory.
“Our bowlers also did a great job, as did those in the field. James O’Neil (7/28 off 8.5) took a great caught and bowled early in the innings and that really set us up,” McLaughlin said.
“And when he came back on later in the innings he continued his good form. We also gave Mitchell (McLaughlin) a crack with the ball and he took every opportunity and finished with 2/8 off six which was great.”
McLaughlin believes last weekend’s win will give his side – particularly the younger players – some added self-belief and confidence which they will take in to the remaining rounds.
“Now that we have a win under our belts, I think that’s the boost we need. It’s certainly been a long time coming so hopefully we can build on this in the second half of the season,” McLaughlin said.
In the division three competition, Camperdown suffered a two-wicket loss to Woorndoo, going down 10/157 to 8/158.
Shane Stephens 42 and Shane Wilson 33 were the best with the bat for the Lakers while Jehrin Bateman 4/23 off seven and Ross McIlveen 1/20 off six were the best of the bowlers.
