By Tara Murray
An understrength East Sunbury cemented its spot in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield top four on Saturday.
In the first match after the Christmas break, the Thunder faced Diggers Rest Bulla in an important match.
Both sides are fighting for finals spots, with the Burras winning the last match up between the two teams.
On Saturday, the Thunder made 9-192 from its overs after being sent in.
Alec Nichols top scored with 61 for the Thunder, while Darren Quarrell took four wickets for the Burras.
In reply, the Burras were in trouble early at 3-13 before they steadied. At 4-103 it was game on.
The Thunder bowlers were able to continue to take wickets and bowled the Burras out for 164 in the 37th over.
Hammad Rashid took three wickets, while Nathan Dent, Nathan Hynes and Lachie Wilkins took two wickets each.
Quarrel was the pick of the Burras bats with 51.
Thunder president Mark Wilkins said they owed the Burras one after losing last time.
“Our guys made us proud,” he said. “We had a young captain [Evan Wilkins] as we had five players out.
“Some who have promised a lot were able to deliver. Alec Nicholls has always got starts but he really showed it yesterday [Saturday].
“All players played their part and we put a great plan together.”
The win comes after a tough month before the Christmas break including losing vice-captain Blake Watson.
Wilkins said the result was a big one in the context of the season and gives them a gap on the Burras that sit in fifth spot.
The Thunder is now nearly 11 points ahead of the Burras.
The Thunder face Kilmore this Saturday in another one-dayer.
In other results, Wallan won a low scoring affair with Kilmore.
The Magpies were bowled out for 107 in the 21st over with Nathan Fowler top scoring with 26.
Kilmore never got going in its run chase and was bowled out for 80.
Skipper Scott O’Donnell took three wickets for the Magpies.
The Magpies remain at the top of the ladder, more than five points clear of Eastern Hill.
Eastern Hill kept the pressure on Wallan with a win against Eynesbury.
Eastern Hill made 116 as it was bowled out in the 38th over with Gurpreet Singh taking five wickets for the Eagles.
The bowlers then got the job done for Eastern Hill, bowling the Eagles out for 84.
Aintree had the bye.
