Sunbury has taken its second scalp in as many weeks to start its Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup campaign.
Having won on the final ball against Riddell in round one, Sunbury made the most of difficult conditions to knock off Woodend on Saturday.
Both teams featured in 2015-16 finals.
Against Woodend, it was the Jason McGann show with both bat and ball.
In windy conditions, Sunbury battled hard to make 6-165 from its 40 overs. McGann, coming in at 4-83, posted an unbeaten 47.
Sunbury player-coach Justin Nelson said he thought the score wasn’t a bad one considering the wind, which was “shocking”.
In reply, Woodend couldn’t get going with just one partnership over 30.
McGann was the destroyer, four wickets in his first spell putting Woodend on the back foot and headed to a modest 8-117. McGann took 4-15 off eight overs.
Nelson said clearly it was McGann who had got them the win.
“He was fantastic and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.”
Nelson, in his first season as coach, said he couldn’t have asked for a better start.
“I certainly would have taken that at the start of the season,” he said.
“You’d think both sides would be among teams looking to be top four.
“If you don’t win early games it can come back to bite you at the end of the season. I’m enjoying it so far.”
For the first time in its history, Sunbury has this season welcomed two imports. Englishman Steve Jenkin is a middle-order batsman who can bowl, while Apolinaire Stephen is a bowler from Vanuatu.
“The club has stepped outside its comfort zone,” Nelson said.
“The committee has been really good about it. They’re both good lads and have strengthened our bowling.”
Nelson said they would look to inject some youth into the side during the season, with the club having a strong under-17 program. Mitchell Johnston, who made his McIntyre Cup debut last season, is one who’ll be looking for opportunities.
Sunbury faces reigning premiers Gisborne on Saturday.
Gisborne is the only other team to win both its opening round matches, defeating Diggers Rest Bulla in a rematch of last season’s grand final.
The Dragons restricted the Burras to 121 in their innings, chasing it down with the loss of just one wicket, with Riley Vernon 71 not out.
Rupertswood won its first game back in the McIntyre Cup, defeating Riddell.
Making just 132, it didn’t seem like it would be enough for Rupo, but its bowlers did the job, restricting Riddell to 127.
Romsey defeated Bacchus Marsh in the other match.
