New Town continues its search for consistency as it chases the top two sides of the women’s CTPL competition.
In the only women’s game of round 10 (with the Clarence-Greater Northern Raiders round 10 match being played earlier in the season), the Bucks are away to North Hobart at the TCA Ground on Sunday.
New Town has shown its best this season, including a 10-wicket win over the top-of-the-table Demons in round five, is as good as anyone.
But it has been mixed with less than its best, such as last weekend’s loss to the bottom side Clarence.
Bucks coach Nathan Wegman said the solution was easy in theory.
“For us, it comes down to a couple of things – doing the basics better and having confidence in both yourself and your team-mates,” Wegman said.
But he said the Bucks up and down year that has resulted in three wins from the first nine rounds was also a demonstration of the evenness of the competition.
“I don't think there is a gap between all four teams,” he said.
“The competition is pretty even. We have had a couple of weekends where we won one game and lost the other.
“As mentioned before, it is all about consistency.”
The Bucks standout has been new recruit Sterre Kalis.
The 24-year-old Dutch international in her second stint in Tasmania, having previously played for University, has been outstanding at the top of the order, scoring 259 runs – the second most in the league so far – at an average of 37.
“We were lucky enough that Sterre was interested in playing in Tassie again and we were in the right place at the right time,” Wegman said.
“Sterre works hard on her game, her enthusiasm and bubbly personality has been a great addition to our young group.”
But Kalis is not the only one who has caught Wegman’s eye.
“There have been a few individual performances at different stages,” he said.
“Jazlyn Kennedy has been a consistent bowler for us, she has taken her opportunity to play 1st grade and made the most of it so far.”
“Another is Tara Pearce, a young pace bowler who keeps improving with the ball and gives her all in the field.
“At just 17, Tara in my opinion is a player with huge upside in all areas of her game and should be looking to play higher levels.”
In the men’s competition, it is the second day of round six.
Glenorchy is in the box seat at Anzac Park to register its second win of the season after dismissing Lindisfarne for 191 last Saturday and will resume on 1-111 with Sanjay Anandarajah (51 not out) and captain-coach Josh Hartill (22 not out) at the crease.
The runs flowed at Queenborough, with Clarence racking up 7-403 declared last week.
South Hobart-Sandy Bay was 1-33 at stumps.
Late wickets to North Hobart at New Town Oval has the visitors with their nose in front.
After the Demons made 265, New Town was reduced to 3-21 at the end of the first day’s play.
At the Twin Ovals, it was University is in a complete control after a dominant day one with the bat against Kingborough.
With Tasmanian opener Tim Ward bringing up the first double century of the season, the Lions romped to 6-385 by the close of play.