Sharks finding form ahead of Christmas break

JAN Juc Cricket Club will look to continue its trajectory up the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association’s (BPCA) A1 ladder when they square off against Barrabool tomorrow (Saturday, December 2).

The Sharks have steadied the ship over the past month with back-to-back wins against Inverleigh and Ocean Grove, following four consecutive losses in the 2023/24 season.

Jan Juc captain-coach Nick Hyden said consistency was the major factor in his side’s Round 6 85-run win over Ocean Grove, who the Sharks meet again next weekend.

However, Jan Juc will first face Barrabool, known for being one of the most consistent BPCA sides in recent years.

“They have had a good side for a number of years, and they’ve had a couple handy additions in the last 12-18 months as well, so their depth is almost certainly one of their biggest strengths,” Hyden said.

“James Fisher back bowling a big boost for Barrabool, Brad Greenwood was one of the pick of the bowlers in Division 2, so they’ll be leaning on those guys. Eddie Morrison was the leading wicket-taker among spinners last season as well.”

Jan Juc has found some valuable consistency leading up to the Christmas break – something the side has lacked early on, according to Hyden.

Luke Edwards (44), Edward Cole (37), Fraser Clatworthy (44), and Jack Taylor (27) provided pivotal run support throughout the batting order, which was backed up by Tom Kearney’s 4/31 performance.

“It was nice to be on the winner’s list again but it’s a really important game coming up this weekend,” Hyden said.

“If we can manage to get the win against Barrabool it’ll get us within a touch of the top four, and I think we’re a couple games out of the top four at the moment.

“So, given we get Ocean Grove the game before Christmas, we could possibly go 4-4 heading into the break and hopefully hit the ground running on the way through to finals.”

Jan Juc and Barrabool start one-day play at Ceres Recreation Reserve from 1pm.