A massive test awaits Pakenham this weekend as the Lions head to Rutter Park to take on CCCA powerhouse Tooradin.
Jack Anning’s side looked convincing against Devon Meadows but a matchup with the Seagulls will prove to be a major gauge on Pakenham’s ability to contend this season.
Both sides were impressive with the ball in the first hit-out but both coaches would probably be disappointed with the efforts at the crease.
However, Tooradin’s pace and ability to restrict runs allowed for patience with the bat, a factor which could decide Saturday’s result.
The Lions will be hoping to see more out of Imesh Jayasekara, who got himself out against the Panthers, and recruit Zach Flaxman.
Pakenham’s new approach to bowling seemed to work in round one but it may run into some growing pains against one of the most experienced batting lineups in the competition.
Finding consistency in partnerships and reliable run scoring for the Lions will be crucial without Dale Tormey, meaning someone will need to step up in his absence.
Pakenham’s prospects look very promising this summer, but Tooradin will have the upper hand at home this early in the season while Anning experiments with batting orders and bowling attacks.
Kooweerup has its first home game of the campaign when Clyde comes to town in an intriguing clash of two fast-tempo batting teams.
The duel of Trevor Bauer and Luke McMaster and Chris Bright at the top of their respective orders will be exciting with all ready to build on a scorching start to the summer.
But the difference will be made in the bowling, an area where the Demons looked imposing in the first round.
Kooweerup on its home deck boasts a deep attack that has multiple players capable of taking a bag of wickets.
Four players took multiple wickets for the Demons on the weekend; and that’s without Luke McMaster even bowling a ball.
Clyde kept it tidy against Upper Beaconsfield but failed to bowl over the Maroons which will be an interesting part to watch.
Cardinia, the reigning premiers, will look to bounce back away at Officer after the Bullants really struggled in the first round.
Officer never looked comfortable against one of the competition’s top dogs in Kooweerup meaning Cardinia will be fully confident it can return to winning ways.
The Bulls will have one key thing on their mind: their batting.
It was simply not up to par against rivals Tooradin, but they are the reigning premiers for a reason.
Look for Cardinia to get rolling with the bat in hand on a quick deck to jump back on the winner’s list.
Devon Meadows and Upper Beaconsfield will do battle in the Maroons’ season home opener.
Upper Beaconsfield was brave against Clyde but lacked aggressiveness throughout the match, leaving the door open for the Panthers.
Devon Meadows were decent with the ball against Pakenham but let itself down at the crease with some bad shots.
The Panthers seem primed to get their season off the mark.
Tips: TOORADIN v Pakenham, KOOWEERUP v Clyde, Officer v CARDINIA, Upper Beaconsfield v DEVON MEADOWS
