YAMBUK captain Tyson Umbers says early wins and fielding will play a critical part in his side's push for a Grassmere Cricket Association finals berth.
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The Buks, thanks to a debut century from Tood McLean, defeated perennial finalist Killarney by 88 runs in their opening round match on Saturday.
"It was a great win and it was obviously good to get off to a good start as early wins are going to be key for us," Umbers, who took 1-23 from his eight overs, said after the win.
"It was good to see a few of the boys in some good form. We will have a big emphasis on fielding this season as it is what has let us down in the last couple of years.
"Hawkesdale and Panmure have, in the past, shown they are great fielding sides and it is what wins big games and we want to match it with them in that area."
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Umbers praised the efforts of McLean, who was dismissed for 102, in his first game for the club.
"You know what you are going to get from him," he said.
"He gives his all no matter the situation and it was good to see him get the reward for his efforts.
"He is a massive inclusion. We are great mates and we took a bit of convincing to get him to play and we knew what he would do and we are starting to see the results."
Umbers also commended the efforts of Corey McKenzie (61 runs) and 16-year-old leg spinner Paddy Gleeson (3-28).
"Corey wasn't expecting to open but I threw him in there and said 'go for your hardest'," he said.
"He really did the hard work early and towards the end of the innings he was rewarded with the runs.
"Paddy Gleeson he is only young fella and he took his chances with the ball, taking three crucial wickets when the game got away from us.
"It was really pleasing for him to get those wickets. It was a good all-round team effort."
Elsewhere, reigning premier Hawkesdale got its flag defence off to a great start with a 92-run victory over Wangoom.
Grassmere defeated Woolsthorpe-Mailors Flat. Craig Spikin was the star taking three wickets.
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
