IT has been a rough start to Grampians’ 2021-22 Hamilton and District Cricket Association A grade campaign, as the Pumas languish in second last position.

Losing the likes of Lachie Field, Vincent Huf and Russell Elton was always going to have an impact, as Will Collins took on the captaincy of a group that was going into the season as reigning premier.

Stefan Burnell and Tom Polkinghorne have been standouts so far this season with the bat and ball, as they try to set a good example, alongside Collins, who sits top of the runs tally after 11 rounds.

Josh Gordon and Zach Burgess have continued to progress, with Gordon impressing at the top of the order with his composure.

Gordon has also had more opportunities with ball in hand, as the leg spinner has filled the void left by Elton’s departure.

The inability to create significant partnerships has been an issue, but the Pumas’ stats point to a team which can compete with the best.

They have scored 947 runs, 21 less than fourth-placed Macarthur with only Pigeon Ponds, College and Casterton District clear standouts, while the Pumas have conceded just 976 runs, a clear second behind only St Andrew’s; the Pumas did have a game washed out, skewing the stats slightly.

The team has lost 52 wickets, with no batsman yet to reach 200 runs for the season, showing the main area which can be improved.

Carl Joyce has struggled to have an impact with bat or ball, despite his talent, and teams will be hoping his quiet season continues into the new year.

With plenty of talent still in the team, the Pumas are a team that knows their best can match it with any team in the association, but it is simply a matter of winning the key moments in games more often and creating winning momentum that will be front of mind for the blue and white when games resume this weekend.