BACK-TO-BACK losses have not dampened the enthusiasm of Panmure’s cricketers with the Grassmere Cricket Association (GCA) finals just around the corner.
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With two rounds to go, Panmure has slipped to third place on the ladder, behind Purnim and Killarney, teams that conquered them in the past two games.
The losses come after the Bulldogs dominated the competition prior to Christmas, winning 10 of its first 11 games.
Ahead of a two-day clash with another finals contender in Grassmere, Panmure opening bowler Ken Jones said his team remains in a good place.
“Everyone is still really upbeat,” Jones said.
“We haven’t been able to get a win in the last couple of games but I don’t think we have been playing poor cricket,” Jones said.
“Against Killarney we had them 5-15 at one stage but let them off the hook.
“We have been a bit down with the bat, a bit short on runs, but we know we have the players there to make big totals. It is just a case of keeping positive, with the bat and in the field, things like keeping our voice up and holding our catches, it can turn around pretty quickly.”
While Panmure has built its premiership dynasty on home grown talent, Jones is an exception, growing up in Melbourne and playing his cricket at Blackburn. He moved to the south west 10 years ago and soon found a new cricketing home at Panmure.
“I live near the ground and when I got here I wandered down for a look at the club and I’m still here 10 years later,” Jones said.
“It’s an enjoyable place to play and having success always helps.”
We haven’t been able to get a win in the last couple of games but I don’t think we have been playing poor cricket.
- Ken Jones
Jones has played in two B grade premierships and one in C grade.
Last season provided a career highlight with Jones playing an important part in the A grade premiership. A left-arm bowler, Jones produced a marathon performance in the grand final, sending down 28 overs for 2-36 to help the Bulldogs successfully defend a score of 164. He finished the season with 35 wickets at an average at 11.70. His haul so far in 2015-16 stands at 18 wickets at 18.10, his best performance coming last round when he snagged 6-40 against Killarney. His good form at club level meant he was selected to represent the GCA at Bendigo country week.
At 42, Jones is an experienced performer who knows his role in the team.
“I normally just try and keep it tight, bowl 5-20 overs and keep it at around two runs an over and pick up the odd wicket,” Jones said.
