Former Tatura captain Michael Archer hopes the monkey is now off Greenvale Kangaroos’ back following their gutsy win over Richmond last week.
Archer and close mate Connor Hayes, a fellow Goulburn Valley cricket export, played a starring role for Greenvale as it defeated Richmond by two wickets.
The round five triumph was the Kangaroos’ maiden win of the Victorian Premier Firsts campaign.
Against a star-studded Richmond — which featured three state contracted players — Hayes top-scored with a sublime 58-run knock, while Archer spun his way to 1-29 off 10 overs and contributed with a crucial 23 with the bat.
“The win against Richmond was really good. Obviously they have some really strong players, but I think we bowled really well to keep them to 150,” Archer said.
“We probably should have done it a bit easier with the bat, but it was just good to get the points.
“Hopefully now the monkey is off the back and we can win a couple of more.”
Greenvale has endured some tough results in recent years, however, Archer believes the club is turning a corner this season.
Last week’s victory was preceded by a 12-run loss to Camberwell, a 42-run defeat to Geelong and a five-wicket loss to Melbourne University.
“The first couple of weeks of the season have been fun ... (it) has been nice to be competitive every week,” he said.
“Would have been nice to snag a few more wins, we’ve been in a few games up to our eyeballs and just missed out — which has been disappointing.
“But the vibe in the group has been really positive and we are just loving rocking up every week and competing together.”
Hayes, a Central Park-St Brendan’s export, has been finding the middle of the bat this season with 188 runs to his name at an average of 47.
Archer said the pair shared a close bond and he had enjoyed watching his mate strike some form with the willow.
“We’ve had a lot of late nights travelling to and from Melbourne the last few years which is never easy on top of full time work, but it has been awesome to watch him bat so far this season,” he said.
“I think we really enjoy each other’s success as we both know what we go through to play down there every week. He is seeing them pretty well and it certainly brings a smile to my face (watching him play well).”
The duo also plays alongside former Mooroopna quick Will Dundon, who missed out on last week’s win.
Around the premier firsts grounds, Katandra export Daniel Sartori has been in good touch with Footscray.
The opener crunched an unbeaten 104 in round one against Frankston-Peninsula.
Central Park-St Brendan’s talent Josh Larkin and Karramomus’ Josh McDonald have enjoyed one win from their opening five rounds with Geelong.
And talented Moama spinner Todd Murphy clinched 3-27 for St Kilda at the weekend.
If there are any other district players we might have missed, feel free to contact sport@sheppnews.com.au or message us on social media.