PIGEON Ponds’ start to the season has been positive with one man standing out ahead of the others.

Murray Staude has performed brilliantly so far this season with both bat and ball, carrying much of the load to lead Ponds to top spot at the midway part of the season.

The all-rounder tops the wickets and runs column for the club and skipper, Peter Staude said the contributions had set the team up for success later in the season.

“I think Murray has started the season off well both with bat and ball,” he said.

“He has got a fair few wickets and batted really for us as well.”

Murray’s 16 wickets is by far the best haul for the ladder leaders with Aiden Sutherland’s nine scalps the next best.

With just two losses so far to go with the washout in the opening round, Peter said the consistency was pleasing.

“I have been pretty happy with it, to be sitting on top is where you want to be,” he said.

“Losing the last game going into Christmas isn’t the best way to go into the break though.”

With the top order really yet to fire, he said they needed to take on more responsibility in the second half of the season to lessen the load on the middle and lower order.

“We bat pretty deep, so we never know who will stand up and if the top three or four go out for not many, there are others who can pitch in,” he said.

“Probably just the top order (needs to improve), we probably haven’t really had a good opening partnership yet.

“We have put a lot of pressure on Anthony (Close) and Murray down the order.”

Simon Close has put up 237 runs so far, but is likely to become more dangerous, as grounds quicken up with the warmer weather.

George Austin has also enjoyed a successful move to the club and into A grade cricket this season.

Peter said he has done what has been required and has filled a role with positivity.

“George has settled in well, when he has had to bowl, he has done a good job considering he is only 15,” he said.

With the second most wickets in the comp, Peter said his bowlers had held their own so far and backed them in to continue their strong form, as the team pushes towards finals.

“Everyone has bowled fairly well this season, we have been pretty consistent with our bowling,” he said.

“Hopefully we can keep winning games and build consistency going into finals.”