Tara Murray
Things are yet to come together for the Sunbury Kangaroos in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
Last season’s semi finalists are without a win after the first four matches but have shown patches of what they can do.
President Hayden Humphrey said it was always going to take some time to click this season.
“It does take time for things to come into effect,” he said. “We fell 10 runs short of a grand final last year.
“We’re looking to grow on that. We want to be as competitive as we can.
“We’ve had a few people leave and it’s been a bit tough on numbers. While the majority of the team is the same we’ve got a few new faces throughout both sides.
“It’s a bit of a new learning experience getting to know everyone’s game and gel together.”
It was a tough one for the Kangaroos on Saturday against Sunbury United in a one-dayer.
The Kangaroos made 8-162 from their overs.
Humphrey said they got off to a good start but they didn’t have much luck after that.
“From what I’m told it was hard,” he said. “But Sunbury United has always been a strong side.
“They knew 162 was not enough, particularly against a side like United.”
Skipper Jason King top scored with 53 at the top of the order, with Graeme Bennett in the middle order making 43.
The Kangaroos tried everything to break through the Bees batting line up, but didn’t have the answers.
The Bees finished 1-163 off 32 overs. Fabian Fernando made 59, with skipper Damien Edwards making 57 not out.
The Kangaroos used nine bowlers with Russell Phillips the wickettaker.
The Kangaroos are one of three clubs without a win so far.
While the first XI side is struggling, Humphrey said they were continuing to grow momentum in their junior program and have two sides again this season.
In other McIntyre Cup matches, Rupertswood upset Gisborne to continue its strong start to the season.
Rupo made 9-207 from its overs with Matt Twentyman top scoring with 40 in an innings with a lot of starts.
Leigh Brennan took five wickets for the Dragons.
The Dragons were bowled out in the final over for 195. Riley Vernon top scored with 73.
Rhys Bennett took three wickets for Rupo.
Woodend made it two in a row, beating Broadford.
Broadford was bowled out for 135 in the 44th over with Harry Lawson and Hamish McDonald taking three wickets each.
Woodend made the runs in less than 30 overs, finishing 2-138. Marcus Stewart top scored with 72 not out.
Romsey remains undefeated after beating Macedon.
The Redbacks made 6-247 from its overs with Chris Burkett top scoring with 74.
After a slow start Macedon’s tail wagged to get it back into the game.
The late comeback fell short with the Cats bowled out for 210 in the 42nd over.
Harry Pender top scored with 79.
