The DDCA under-16s, under-14s and under-12s faced stiff competition in the statewide competition, which continues today before concluding with semi-finals on Friday and grand finals on Sunday.

DDCA under-16 coach Peter Mathison said his side had struggled in its early matches, losing its first three games.

The DDCA under-16 side won last year's Jim Beitzel Shield but none of those players were eligible to return.

Mathison said his players had shown improvement in their bowling and fielding but needed more confidence with the bat.

"I think the boys have frozen a bit or played within themselves rather than just having a go.

"But a good sign was in our third game we went from being disappointing with the bat to putting on a very competitive display with the ball."

Mathison was talking about his side's loss to Moorabbin CA. The DDCA side made just 9-111 in 45 overs but held Moorabbin from getting the total until the 43rd over, finishing on 3-112.

The team has set itself to earn at least one win from its final two games.

"The boys are feeling their way into the competition," Mathison said. "We can get a lot better and I think if we can win at least one game then we will have achieved something."

Mathison said the DDCA under-16 prospects looked stronger for next year with four of his current side at the bottom age and therefore eligible to return next year. Mathison said Callum Spencer and Josh Rich had bowled well while Billy Green, Mitch Forsyth and Wess Fernandez were among the better batsmen.

Fernandez had the most runs with 64 at 21 and Rich was best wicket-taker with four wickets at eight.

The DDCA under-14s managed one win from their first three games and the under-12 side showed improvement, beating West Gippsland CA on Friday. The under-14s' highest run scorer was Lachlan Lawrence with 63 runs at 15. Their best wicket-taker was Callum Sigaras with four wickets at 14.

The under-12s run leader was Liam Richardson with 85 runs at 28 and best wicket-taker was Kevin Seth with five wickets at seven.

For full DDCA scores and more under-16 pictures see greaterdandenongweekly.com.au.

-Roy Ward