Coach lays down the law

By Gavin Staindl
ENDEAVOUR Hills Sub-District coach John Hayes has told his players to either make runs or make way after their most recent loss to Noble Park by three wickets.
The Hills again failed with the bat, making only 139 on a good pitch at Pat Wright Snr Oval.
Apart from Hayes’ 49, the Hills’ wickets crumbled with only eighth batter Richard Saniga (23) making any more than 15.
The visitors slumped to 4/25 and then 6/52 before Hayes and Saniga could resurrect some hope into the innings.
However, when Hayes was stumped off the bowling of Rod Douthie (1/14), Endeavour Hills had little else to give and could only manage to limp to the 44th over before being bowled all out for 139.
In reply, Noble Park hit 52 runs off the opening six overs and appeared to have wrapped up the game.
However, a mini-fight back by Matt Foenander (46) and Saniga (4/16) brought hope back into the match.
But a solid innings by Peter Harper (60) ensured Noble Park hit the required runs within 31 overs.
Hayes was not hesitant in his post-match address to the players, demanding that if they wanted to retain their spot in the side, they had to start earning it.
“The boys were not up for it today so I pulled the side into the room and told them they have to stand up.
“We need guys who can start to occupy the crease. It has been this way for 10 years and it has got to stop. It is a matter of simple numbers and it has got to stop,” Hayes said.
With specialist batters Justin Merlino, Matthew Peake and Chris Peake all averaging under 15 runs for the season, they will need to prove themselves through the week if they are to retain their spot on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, Hayes has promised that there will be changes for next week’s match-up against Croydon.
“The batting order will be different and I’m still not 100 per cent sure about the bowling structure.
“If someone has a bad day, they will face the consequences,” Hayes said.