NMCA 2018-19: Keon Park claims shock win over Preston Baseballers
A FEW weeks after it was battling for numbers, Keon Park caused a boilover against Preston Baseballers in Round 1 of the NMCA Jika Shield season.
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RYAN Docherty had no idea what to expect.
Leading a side with so many new faces, the Keon Park captain-coach was hopeful, more than optimistic, heading into the North Metro Cricket Association.
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It was only four weeks ago the Parkers were battling for players and facing an uphill battle in Jika Shield.
“I have been there for a long time, if we are going to go down, we’re not going to request it,” Docherty said.
“We’re going to get forced down. We have got 11 blokes who want to have a crack, that’s all that matters.”
Keon Park’s efforts to build a competitive First XI for 2018-19 were rewarded when the club shocked preliminary finalist Preston Baseballers in Round 1.
Recruit Devjas Bhinder hit 14 boundaries and one six to topscore with 84 in his first game for the Parkers, spearheading his side’s 6-196.
Baseballers could only manage 122 in reply as five wickets from Juy Smith (5-25) helped Keon Park roll its opposition in 27.1 overs.
“We have got a totally different team from last year and we are not sure where we can go from here.
“Each week we are going to have a crack and see how we go. We are pretty excited.
“It’s one of the better wins we have had in a very long time.
“We thought we’d be competitive but to put that performance on the board against a potential finals side, that is a massive thing for us.
“It means we can compete with the big dogs.”
Tharanga Gayan and Tharanga De Silva were other new players who showed promising signs on debut.
Docherty said the first-round win would provide belief Keon Park’s renovated team was capable of further upsets.
“We’re not a team of champions, but each week we are going to give it a crack,” he said.
Keon Park next hosts Heidelberg West in a one-day fixture this weekend.
Rosebank, Holy Trinity and Preston YCW District were the other victorious sides in Round 1.
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