Rupertswood proved to be the biggest loser from a weekend of wash-outs in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup.
Three of the four games were called off due to bad weather, leaving Bacchus Marsh and Rupertswood the only game to go ahead.
Rupertswood lost and ended up the only side not to take away any points from the weekend.
But Rupertswood captain-coach Mark Ryan said while the way it worked out was disappointing, players would take the chance to play a game of cricket over a wash-out every time.
“The weather was okay and we had crack …and the result was disappointing,” he said.
“You play cricket to play. It rained in periods and we pushed through.”
Ryan said the side didn’t bowl well, and this put them on the back foot. Bacchus Marsh made 8-194 off its overs.
“The toss was crucial and we lost it,” he said.
“It was a pretty wet wicket, and we couldn’t get any swing and didn’t bowl well.”
Rupertswood lost a wicket on the first ball of the innings – the second time this has happened in three games.
“When you’re 1-0 after the first ball, it’s never ideal,” Ryan said.
“They bowled really tight and it was hard to score, the pressure was always on, and the run rate crept up.”
Ryan (66 not out) was the only batsman to really get going for Rupertswood, which was bowled out for 150.
The result leaves Rupertswood with one win from its first three matches.
Ryan said players are feeling confident they can match it with the rest of the competition in their first season back in the top division.
“It has been really good, and all the sides have agreed it has stepped up a level – it has, especially since the last time we played up.
“Everyone is very even, and on any day, anyone can win. We feel comfortable out there.”
This comes despite Rupertswood struggling to field its best team. Three players were missing on Saturday, including strike bowler Aaron Forward.
“We’ll get Aaron back this week,” Ryan said.
“We had a few issues with people working, but hopefully we will get a full side on the park in the next couple of weeks.”
Rupertswood’s job doesn’t get any easier, as they take on Gisborne this week.
It’ll be the third top-four side from last season they’ll play in the first four weeks. They defeated Riddell in the second round last season.
“There’s no easy games,” Ryan said. “We’ll see how we go. I’m looking forward to it.”
