Rupertswood’s finals hopes are in its own hands after results fell its way in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
Rupo moved into the top four with victory against Wallan and face fifth placed Sunbury United in the final round.
Macedon, which sits in sixth, also remains in finals contention as it sits less than four points behind Rupo.
Rupo president Peter Kavanagh said after dropping a match against Broadford which they shouldn’t have the previous round, it’s good to still have their season alive.
“The circumstances fell our way and it would be good to make finals,” he said. “We’ve obviously got one game left and we don’t take Sunbury United easy.”
Rupo set the win up on day one of the match with Wallan.
Captain-coach Matt Twentyman made 157 as Rupo made 251 as it was bowled out in the 72nd over.
Kavanagh said Twentyman just knows how to stand up in the big moments.
Wallan resumed at 0-8.
Kavanagh said the group felt they had enough runs on the board.
“The boys were pretty confident they had enough runs on the board and would be able to defend it,” he said.
“Our bowling is deep and Matt can throw it around to quite a few players.
“We didn’t have that consistency against the better batters but I think we’ve shown that we can do that now.”
Rupo bowled Wallan out for 120.
Kevin Barker took 3-35 for Rupo, while Joel Muir and Kyle Corcoran bowled tightly.
With bonus points important, Rupo went back out and batted for a second time.
Rupo finished 3-36 off four overs.
Kavanagh said they had wanted to make finals pre-season and they now have an opportunity.
“You don’t know what will happen if you make finals,” he said. “Anything can happen.”
In other McIntyre Cup matches, Woodend sits on top entering finals after beating Sunbury United.
The Bees finished 173 in reply to Woodend’s 241. Liam Sherlock top scored with 42 for the Bees.
Thomas Robson took 5-68 for Woodend.
Romsey went a step further to playing finals, beating Macedon.
The Redbacks bowled Macedon out for 147 in reply to 262.
Gareth De Rosayro top scored for the Macedon with 31 as no other batter passed 20.
Corey Day took three wickets for Romsey.
Romsey was bowled out for 80 in its second innings. Edward Ferguson took 4-35 for the Cats.
Gisborne was able to get the points against Broadford after being in trouble early at 5-61.
Riley Vernon, who missed day one of the clash, made 100 not out as the Dragons finished 8-214 in reply to 153.
In other final round matches, the rest of the top six will face each other.
Macedon will play Gisborne, while Woodend will face Romsey.
Broadford will play Wallan in the relegation battle.
Broadford needs to have a big win to avoid relegation.
