Tara Murray
The Sunbury Kangaroos broke through for their first win of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season on Saturday.
After showing some good signs in recent weeks, the Kangaroos were able to put it together against East Sunbury.
The Kangaroos found themselves in a good position after day one of the match, having made 226 with Mace Green top scoring with 61.
The Thunder got off to the worst start, losing a wicket without scoring but was able to steady to be 1-82.
The wickets then started to fall at regular intervals, with the Thunder bowled out for 162 in the 69th over.
Blake Watson top scored with 50. Jas King was the pick of the bowlers with five wickets, while Green chipped in with four.
Kangaroos’ president Shane Woolley said it was pleasing to get on the board.
“We tend to rely on Corey [Woolley] and Mace,” he said.
“Corey failed on the weekend with the bat, but Jas and Mace stood up.
“If we get contributions every week from a spread of players we look like we’ll be competitive.”
Woolley said it had been a bit of tough start to the season. The wet weather had made it hard with planning and putting teams together.
On field, the McIntyre Cup they’ve played just three matches.
“We were beaten by Gisborne, they are a top side,” Woolley said.
“We played [Sunbury] United which are a very good side and we had then four or five down and they still needed 80.
“Outside of the top few teams its a really even competition. Outside of the top couple of teams we can be competitive.”
The win moves the Kangaroos off the bottom of the ladder and up into fifth spot. From fifth down to Woodend in 10th, each team has one win.
One of the biggest positives for the Kangaroos this season has been the club fielding an under-11 team.
It’s the first time the club has ever has a junior side, which is pretty special for Woolley.
In other McIntyre Cup matches, Woodend total of 234 against Bacchus Marsh proved not to be enough, with the Bulls putting on a batting show.
Resuming at 0-11, the Bulls lost both openers early before they were able to steady. Former skipper James Lidgett showed why he is one of the best bats in the competition, putting on an unbeaten 126.
He helped guide his side to 8-296. Greg Matthews took three wickets for Woodend.
The win is the Bulls second for the season.
Gisborne and Sunbury United remain undefeated after good wins against Wallan and Rupertswood respectively.
Having made 9-273 with plenty of different contributors, the Dragons then backed it up with the ball against Wallan.
The Magpies were bowled out for 115 in the 62nd over.
The Dragons shared the wickets around with Jarryd Vernon taking 3-22 off 24 overs, while Mick Allen, Max Torkington and Darcy Thomas taking two wickets each.
Sunbury United continued its good form with the ball against Rupertswood.
Rupo resumed at 2-4 in reply to United’s 239.
Rupo got off to the worst possible start on day two, losing a wicket without scoring and was soon 4-17.
Rupo, which made 300 in the previous game, wasn’t able to repeat that, bowled out for 154. Andrew Pizaro top scored with 70. Rajitha Mendis took five wickets for United.
United in its second innings was in trouble at 4-14, with Nathan Crotty taking three wickets.
Romsey also continued its good form with victory against Diggers Rest.
Having made 287 on day one on the back of a century to skipper Ben Way, the Redbacks bowled the Burras out for 157.
Mulkapuge Lakshan top scored with 40. Jamie Taylor took three wickets for the Redbacks.
The Redbacks in their second innings, finished 1-101 in reply.
In the Johnstone Shield, Kilmore beat Gisborne, Eynesbury was too good for Romsey, Bacchus Marsh beat Macedon, Riddell defeated Sunbury United and Aintree beat Kyneton.
