DVCA 2020-21: Macleod preparing for three big Barclay Shield games

Diamond Valley Cricket Association power Macleod has scored back-to-back wins but must improve one key area.

Captain-coach Nick Lynch has been in good form with the bat for Macleod. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Macleod is preparing for a season-defining three-game stretch after recording back-to-back wins in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.

After a tardy 1-4 start to the Barclay Shield summer, the 2018-19 premier has knocked off Lower Eltham and Banyule either side of the Christmas break to breathe life into its campaign.

But clashes against Heidelberg (fourth), North Eltham Wanderers (first) and Rosanna (second) in the next three weeks will likely decide the Eagles’ fate.

“If we beat those three sides somehow, we’ll probably be really pushing for the finals,” Macleod captain-coach Nick Lynch said.

“If we don’t, we won’t be, and we’ll probably be fighting the other way (to escape) relegation.

“There’s a lot of success the group’s had in the past years and there’s still a lot of the same blokes in the side.

“Now we’ve hit a bit of form, there’s definitely no lack of belief … we’ve just got to keep the momentum rolling.”

The Eagles have claimed two of the past four top-flight premierships but finished seventh on the ladder last season.

Sitting seventh after seven rounds of 2020-21, they are the competition’s most prolific batting side but have also leaked the most runs with the ball.

Tim Wise is the leading run-scorer in Barclay Shield with 309 runs at 51.50, while Lynch (224 at 37.33), Rob Wise (149 at 21.29) and Daniel Falcke (134 at 22.33) have also impressed.

Rob Wise has 10 wickets to his name and Falcke nine.

“We had a slow start. We definitely believe we’ve got the ability, we’ve just got to put it together now,” Lynch said.

“The batting seems to be on track, we just need to get the bowling and fielding together.”

Banyule celebrates a wickt during its loss to Macleod on Saturday. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Tim Wise top-scored with 84 against Banyule on Saturday, while Lynch “got a couple out the middle” on his way to a quick-fire 75 from 47 balls.

The pair combined for a 118-run stand for the fourth wicket as their team posted a formidable 9-214.

The home side reached 161 from 36 overs in reply, with Mitchell Bottomley grabbing 4-26 from six overs.

“(Banyule) did look dangerous with the bat at times and looked like they were half a chance of chasing down the runs,” Lynch said.

“But we shouldn’t need to make that much every week to make sure we win.

“We just need to sharpen up a bit of bowling and fielding and make sure teams won’t get anywhere near it because I believe we’ll make plenty of runs.”

Macleod will host last season’s joint premier Heidelberg in Round 8.