LESSONS were learned after Wodonga’s disastrous first innings against Kiewa in round two.
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Bowled out for just 71 at the hands of Kiewa’s powerhouse attack, captain Michael Booth says that game was an eye-opener for the young Bulldogs.
Kiewa were away to a strong start in reply, with their first three batsmen combining for 148 runs.
But Booth and Lachlan Lewin fired up on the second day, claiming the remaining eight wickets in the first session to give their batsmen another shot at the crease.
A 36-run stand from Jarrod Lewin and some consistent batting down the order staved off an outright loss, and Booth said the match was a vital learning experience for his charges.
“It was certainly a bit of a shock to the system,” Booth said.
“But it was also the reason we brought these guys into the District competition.
“They wouldn’t have had exposure to a bowler like Ryan de Vries in the Provincial B-grade, so that was a really important game for us.”
Booth added that the heavy loss carried plenty of upside along with it.
“The way we came out and played on the second day of that game was really impressive,” he said.
“As long as they’re improving every week, I’m happy to cop a result like that from time to time.”
Seeing plenty of upside in the likes of Phil Stahl, Jarrod Lewin and wicketkeeper Harry Kitching, Booth said Saturday’s match against Howlong was a chance for them to prove it wasn’t a one-off.
“We responded well with our backs to the wall,” he said.
“Now is the time for them to prove it wasn’t a fluke.
“The shorter game should suit our younger players a little better I think.”
The one day format has been kind to the Dogs so far this season, with Booth’s men toppling reigning premiers Eskdale on round one.
“Our bowling and fielding is probably the strongest element of our game at the moment,” Booth said.
“With a lot of teenagers in the side we’re fairly athletic in the field.
“The effect of that gets multiplied with less overs to play with, hopefully we can keep the pressure on.”
All other matches for round three will also be played as one-day matches, after play was called off last weekend.
Baranduda will host Yackandandah in what is likely to be an interesting affair, while Bethanga will tackle Eskdale at home.
Dederang travel to Mt Beauty, while Barnawartha/Chiltern play Kiewa.
