Eden’s A grade cricketers didn’t get the season start they were hoping for on Saturday.
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The Merimbula Knights got over the Eden total in the second innings with five overs up their sleeve.
Eden spokesman Drew Mudaliar said the competition was strong this year.
“There are six really strong sides in the competition,” Mudaliar said.
“When you win the premiership, every team is gunning for you and these teams are pretty hungry.
“If you’re not up for it, you’ll get beat.”
After seeing the level of opposition Merimbula provided, Mudaliar was eager to see more players at training.
“We can’t be complacent about winning the premiership.
“Then you find it hard to get motivated early in the year, but training will have to change if they want to win.”
Mudaliar added 18 runs opening Eden’s innings with the bat, while squad skipper Reece Wheeler fired off 11 runs.
Unfortunately for the home side, Merimbula found its groove with a switch in bowlers and began taking steady wickets.
Rising young talent Isaac Walker impressed with a final wicket stand alongside Neil Baker.
“Isaac did a great job batting at number 10 and made a few runs,” Mudaliar said.
As the middle order toppled, it was the final stand that got Eden to a creditable total of 122 runs.
The Merimbula batting started slowly and the game looked in the balance.
“Tyrone [Thomas] was dangerous with the ball,” Mudaliar said.
The tide quickly shifted in Merimbula’s favour as the mid-order batsmen played havoc with the scoreboard.
Adam Daley slogged 41 runs, while Callan Sinclar put 14 on the board for the visiting Knights.
“Unfortunately we just leaked too many runs and didn’t have enough to start with.
“Credit to Adam Daley, he won it for them really.”
Wheeler also proved dangerous with his fast bowling to claim three wickets.
Mudaliar said a lot of the “work with the ball will fall to Reece and Tyrone.”
Meanwhile, at the crease Eden boasts Mudaliar’s experience and the dangerous Spink combination of Corey and Mark.
After winning the two-day final last year as well as the Twenty20 final, Mudaliar said the club didn’t really favour any format and kept its eyes on the prize.
“The two-day title is the one you want to win,” Mudaliar said.
“The other ones along the way are just a bonus.”
However, he said the club would not neglect any of the formats, with each game adding to the ladder standings.
This weekend the Eden squad will take on the South Eurobodalla Pirates at the Eden cricket ground from 1pm on Saturday.
The club will also hold a junior registration session (see page 44).
Mudaliar said the club had been saddened to hear the passing of Marilyn Young.
“She was one of the club’s top supporters for a very long period.
“The club is offering our deepest sympathies to the family at this time.”