Tara Murray
Diggers Rest Bulla got off to the perfect start in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association.
After four weeks of no play due to heavy rain leaving many grounds unplayable, action finally kicked off on Saturday.
For the Burras, it was four from four to start the season, led by their McIntyre Cup side against Wallan.
Burras’ president Lindon Dowsett said everyone had been keen to get out on the field after the last few weeks.
“We had all four sides win, which was fantastic for us,” he said. “We’ve got a couple of players back and a couple of Sri Lankan recruits.
“It’s better late than never and we’re very happy.”
The Burras match against Wallan was moved to Arnolds Creek, which is the club’s home away from home this season with their second ground being redeveloped.
The Burras won the toss and elected to send the Magpies in. The Magpies finished 6-169 from their overs.
Dowsett said while they believed they could chase down that total, it was bigger than it probably should have been.
“We had them 4-30 odd,” he said. “They had a couple of good partnerships and did a good job to push them to where they got.”
Dowsett said at Arnolds Creek only one or two batsmen had to get going and the score would tick over quickly.
The Burras finished 5-170 with five overs remaining.
It was Rasika Batepola who was the star, finishing with an unbeaten 100 at the top of the order.
Batepola, who was previously captain-coach of the side, returned to the club this season and has taken on the captaincy role.
“He is like a fine wine,” Dowsett said of Batepola. “He’s 45 or 46 and still making 100s in first grade.
“He is fantastic and such a great leader and gets everyone on the same page. It’s good to have him back at the club.”
The Burras face one of their arch rivals, Sunbury United this Saturday. Dowsett said it would give them a good indication of how they are shaping up.
United started the season with a big win against East Sunbury.
United were bowled out for 258 with four balls remaining with Liam Sherlock top scoring with 67 at the top order as all top and middle order got starts.
Jay Brockman took 5-39 off 5.2 overs.
The Thunder never looked likely and were restricted to 8-154 from its overs.
Liam Williams was the pick of the Thunder batters with 59. Rajitha Mendis took three wickets for United.
Romsey kicked off its season with a win against Woodend.
Woodend was bowled out for 162 on the final ball of its innings. Marcus Stewart top scored with 47.
Louis Moor took four wickets for the Redbacks.
The Redbacks chased down the runs with 14 overs to spare, finishing 5-167. Skipper Ben Way finished unbeaten on 63.
Gisborne claimed a first up win against Rupertswood, with its big names standing up.
Rupertswood was bowled out for 136 with John Lane, coming in at number seven, top scoring with 28.
Mick Allen took 4-10 off 7.3 overs.
In reply, the Dragons finished 3-139 with Jarryd Vernon making 75 not out in his return to the club.
Leigh Brennan made 50 to go with his three wickets on debut for the club.
The Sunbury Kangaroos and Bacchus Marsh match didn’t go ahead, with the team splitting the points.
