By Tara Murray
The hard work off the field is paying off for Riddell in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield.
It was a bit of an unknown this season for the Bombers, who had dropped a grade after a tough couple of years.
But the return of some players and the next generation starting to come on, the Bombers sit atop the ladder after 11 rounds.
Coach Michael Day said they were really happy with how things were tracking.
“We’re going alright,” he said. Ät the start of the year we didn’t know where we would be.
“It has been huge getting players back and it’s all fallen together.
“We’ve worked hard to get things together and gain momentum. The team is building through that and it flows on.
“We’ve got everyone on the same page.”
On Saturday, the Bombers faced third placed Harkness in a one-dayer.
While the Bombers got the job done, Day said he didn’t think it was going to pan out that way.
“I thought they had us,” he said. “We took the wicket of one of their better bats and then we got the other one to close it out.
“They are a dangerous team.”
The Bombers made 172 as they were bowled out in the final over.
Day said he wasn’t sure whether they had enough knowing Harkness’ batting power.
Harry Fisher top scored with 41 at the top of the order, with Day praising youngsters Harry Johnson and Owen Arthur for putting on 19 for the final wicket.
He said performances like that hold them in good stead for the future.
Harkness was bowled out for 153 in reply with the Bombers bowling and fielding well.
Luke Castle took four wickets, while Hayden Castle and Matthew Darby took two wickets each.
Day said Darby took a spectacular catch to end the innings, which no one else would have got a hold off.
The coach said the return of Darby, who didn’t plan on playing many matches this season, had been a big boost for them.
The Bombers now have a week off, with no action due to the long weekend. Day said they would likely focus on some fielding practice during the time off.
After the week off, the Bombers face second placed Lancefield. The Tigers sit six points back.
“We don’t focus on anyone in particular,” Day said. “We focus on things to get the job done.”
In other matches, the Tigers had a big win against Gisborne.
The Dragons made 8-107 from their overs Luke Malone took three wickets for the Tigers.
The Tigers wasted no time in getting the runs, finishing 3-109.
Jack Crosland finished 31 not out.
Rupertswood and Melton South were the other winners.