VTCA 2018-19: Craigieburn buoyed by depth as it eyes finals after positive finish to last season

CRAIGIEBURN hopes the First XI experience gained by its second-tier players last summer will have it primed for a VTCA finals tilt in 2018-19.

Sam Laffan of Craigieburn batting during VTCA cricket: Druids v Craigieburn at Shorten Reserve on Saturday, January 20, 2018, in West Footscray, Victoria, Australia.Picture: Hamish Blair

CRAIGIEBURN hopes the First XI experience gained by its second-tier players last summer will have it primed for a VTCA finals tilt in 2018-19.

The Eagles called on 21 players for First XI duties last season and only five featured in 11 matches.

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While the lack of continuity caused some short-term pain, Craigieburn finished last season with a flourish to signal its true potential.

The Eagles claimed 40.07 of their 73.32 points in the last four rounds of 2017-18, only finishing 15.79 points outside the top four.

“One of the bad things was we did have some unavailability, due to different circumstances,” coach Chris Laffan said.

“But at the end of the day we did see 21 different blokes play in our First XI.

Craigieburn captain Sammy Laffan guides a ball through the off side. Picture: Hamish Blair.

“Plenty of guys have had a taste now and know the expectancy behind their workrate and performances.”

Laffan highlighted the club’s Round 9 victory against Druids, who finished as minor premier, as reason for optimism heading into the new campaign.

He said skipper Sammy Laffan, club champion Adam Davies and seamer Josh Eaton were potential matchwinners, despite being 22 years of age or under.

“We are starting to get those younger guys that are stepping up and the majority of them have had Premier Cricket experience,” Laffan said.

Under the VTCA’s new structure, Craigieburn will only meet two sides which finished above it on the ladder last season in Division 1 North — Haig Fawkner and West Coburg.

“It was a big step up for us last year,” Laffan said.

Key Craigieburn bowler Mick Bury celebrates a wicket. Picture: Mark Wilson

“I think it was a little bit unknown, particularly with that slow start we had.

“To build on that confidence we had in the back half, if we can take that forward, absolutely we should be going in to each game expecting to win.”

Laffan said greater consistency would propel the Eagles to a finals berth.

“I think the main thing was we gained a little bit of confidence toward the back end of last year,” he said.

“We probably only had one win up until Christmas and then I think we only missed out by 15 points.”