Tara Murray
Sunbury United have again set a strong target but will need its bowlers to step up in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
Facing defending champions Gisborne, the Bees made 9-278 from their overs. Both sides entered the match with a 3-2 record.
Captain Damien Edwards and Fabion Fernando top scored with 66 apiece at the top of the order.
Edwards said it wasn’t their best performance but they were happy with it at the end of the day.
“It could have been a bit more,” he said. “We were none down at tea.
“We then lost four pretty quick wickets after tea. We managed to get a pretty decent score, but it could have been better.”
Edwards said their top order continues to shine, with someone stepping up if someone fails.
Jarryd Vernon did all the damage for the Dragons with the ball, taking 9-84 off his 28 overs.
Edwards said while it was a competitive score, they know it won’t be easy with the ball.
“We experienced it last year,” he said. “They were able to chase 300.
“It is a good score but we have to bowl well.
“It’s very much a 50-50 game.”
The Bees bowling has been their issue early in the season. Edwards said they had played well in bits and pieces this season which has reflected in the results.
“We haven’t played to our potential,” he said. “We’re still trying to find the right mix and for things to come together.
“We’ve conceded some good scores. We’re working hard at training and trying to change things, hopefully it will happen this week.
“We have the talent there, we have to put it all together. We have to bowl well for 80 overs to get the outcome we want.”
In other matches, Romsey was bowled out for 231 against Woodend.
Ben Way was the mainstay in the innings, making 101.
Harrison Sheahan took three wickets for an undefeated Woodend.
Woodend will resume at 0-15.
Macedon made 187 against Rupertswood with skipper Cameron Howlett top scoring with 57..
Max Howell took three wickets for Rupo.
Rupo lost two early wickets and will resume at 2-21. Alex Browne has both wickets for the Cats.
In the other match, the Sunbury Kangaroos were bowled out in the final over against Broadford.
The Kangaroos made 218 with Simon Barry top scoring with 55.
