If the opening day of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season is anything to go by, competition will be just as close as last season.
Two matches went down to the final over of the day, while the other two matches were more than competitive.
Reigning premiers Gisborne, along with Sunbury, started the season with thrilling wins, while runners-up Diggers Rest Bulla, and Woodend, both recorded solids starts.
A four off the second last ball of the match got the Dragons’ season off to the right start against Bacchus Marsh. Only two batsmen passed 20 for the Bulls, but the lower order put enough runs together to make 178, before being bowled out in the final over of the innings.
The Dragons shared the wickets around, with four players taking two each. In reply, Dragons’ top and middle orders did all the work. They were made to fight it out, with that four on the second last ball getting them across the line.
The Dragons finished 4-179. Jason Wilson top-scored, with 65 not out.
Sunbury’s match against Riddell was even closer, with the result decided on the final ball of the match.
Riddell batted first and made 4-178. Led by the top order, Sunbury got off to a good start, and was cruising at 1-108, but a quick turnover of wickets got Riddell back into the game.
With one wicket in hand, Sunbury hit the winning runs off the last ball of the game. Heath Boffey top-scored for Sunbury with 57.
In the other matches, Diggers Rest Bulla proved too good for a promoted Rupertswood side.
Playing in the top division for the first time since the 2012-13 season, Rupertswood made a hard-fought 8-118 off its overs.
The lower order of Josh Smith (25 runs) and Chris Ryan (31 not out) rescued the innings, after they were in trouble at 6-63.
Opener Michael Treweek top-scored with 35.
The Burras shared the wickets around, with three players taking two wickets each.
In reply, the Burras made the runs with six overs and four wickets to spare. Playing coach Kevin Barker top-scored with 28.
Woodend started its season off with a victory over Romsey.
After winning the toss, Woodend made 5-165 from its 40 overs. Former premier cricketer Michael Nalesnyik top-scored with 53 not out, while skipper Adam Johnstone made 40.
In reply, Romsey finished its innings at 9-137. Matthew Burkett top-scored with 35, while Taylor Stevenson, who has come across from Macedon, made 33.
Tom Robson was a star with the ball, taking five wickets.
