VSDCA: Shijit Chandran, Simon Lambert star on Hoppers Crossing debuts

A Hoppers Crossing opener’s “ominous” debut is only a sign of things to come according to his coach who says he wasn’t at his best. Watch the highlights.

Shijit Chandran might have piled his way to a century on debut but he’s only going to get better.

That’s the message from new Hoppers Crossing captain-coach Simon Lambert.

The classy right-handed opener powered his way to 131 runs from 125 balls as his side started their Victorian Sub District Cricket Association season with a 74-run win over Bayswater.

Chandran joined Hoppers Crossing during a busy off-season and is already taking the competition by storm.

He shared a 101-run opening partnership with Lambert before the skipper was dismissed for 52 runs from 43 balls.

Despite having only batted together in two practice matches, Lambert is excited by what the future could hold.

“A big thing for us will be our opening partnership and how we’re able to set the team up,” he said.

“Shijit looks to be an exceptional player. In the first two practice matches, we’ve really bounced off each other. If I’m having a down day or he is, I’m confident the other person is going to be able to stand up.

“He’s got the technical side to his game but he’s powerful as well. From what I’ve seen so far, he’s as good as anyone I’ve opened with.

“I actually didn’t think he was at his best, he probably didn’t time the ball as well as he can. If he did, he would have scored close to 200.

“He’s a player who always looks in control. It’s a pretty ominous start and I’m sure opposition teams would have taken notice.”

While the top order fired, there is still plenty of room left for improvement in Hoppers Crossing’s middle order with three of the top six falling for ducks.

Lambert did praise teenager Jasanjot Singh for his 15-run performance after coming in on a hat-trick ball but wants to see more from his side.

With the ball, Lambert led the way with 3-28 while Jeremy Swan picked up 2-29 from his seven overs as the hosts restricted Bayswater to 9-180.

Simon Lambert made a strong start to life at Hoppers Crossing. Picture: George Sal

“I thought we were still a long way off our best,” he said.

“But we need to remember this is a very different looking team and it’s going to take a few weeks before we see what does and doesn’t work. It’s not just going to happen for us.

“We got some miles in the legs which were really important. Guys missed out with the bat unfortunately but they’ll go away and work on those things.

“Importantly all three sides who played won so it’s a good start to the season.”

Next Hoppers Crossing will take on Donvale who lost to Spotswood in its opening game.