Sunbury United kept its finals hopes alive with a high scoring win against Romsey in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
The Bees had their hands full against a Romsey side looking to keep its top two hopes alive the past two Saturdays.
A strong batting performance on day one was enough for the Bees to get over the line and keep their season alive.
Bees captain Damien Edwards said they did what they needed to do.
“It was pretty tough conditions and we stuck at it all day,” he said. “They have some great bats throughout the whole side.
“They’ve had the better of us the last few seasons and you never take them lightly.
“We knew they would put out a good performance against us and we were eventually just able to do enough to get the win.”
The Bees made 8-361 on day one of the match, with Edwards the star with 110.
On paper, Romsey was one of the sides that could chase down that target.
It was in a good position at 2-112 before losing two quick wickets.
Romsey then went from 6-158 to 6-298 to give itself a chance.
“There were a few nerves,” Edwards said. “Chris Burkett got going and he has a very good record against us.
“We know we had to keep them at arm’s length. We were able to get Chris and Adam Frost and we knew they were pretty home and hosed.”
Romsey was bowled out for 319 in the final over of the day.
Burkett made 101 while Frost scored 55.
James Hughes, Senura Perera and Edwards took two wickets each for the Bees.
The result means that the Bees are 5.5 points outside the top four with two rounds remaining.
Romsey has slipped from third to fourth, now 0.1 point behind Rupertswood which moved to third.
Edwards said they just have to focus on the task at hand in the last two weeks against Macedon and the Sunbury Kangaroos.
“We have to keep winning and need some other results to go our way,” he said.
“What we can do is to win the last two games and see what happens. We will not take Macedon or the Kangaroos lightly and we’ll keep doing what we’re doing and hopefully it is enough for it to go our way.”
Elsewhere, Woodend has moved clear at the top of the ladder with a big win against the Sunbury Kangaroos.
Woodend resumed at 2-71 in reply to the Kangaroos 129.
Woodend coach Josh Eastley made 116 as his side was bowled out for 311.
The Kangaroos finished their second innings, 6-68 off 18 overs.
With Romsey’s loss, Gisborne moved to second on the ladder with a big win against Macedon.
Chasing the Dragons, 343, the Cats finished 9-169. Zac Waddington made 50.
Rupertswood continued its good two-day form beating Broadford.
Having made 257, Rupo bowled Broadford out for 90 with Joe Honner taking 3-13.
Rupo sent Broadford back in with Broadford finishing 2-59 when the game was called.
