Tara Murray
Gisborne is hoping things start to click in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup soon.
Having not last a match last season on the way to the premiership, the Dragons have already lost two matches in the first three rounds this season.
Captain-coach Jarryd Vernon said it hadn’t been the start they were after.
He said while some sides like Woodend and Rupertswood had improved this season, they weren’t playing at the level they know they can.
“We haven’t got going yet,” he said. “You have to be at your best each week.
“We are getting some parts right and some parts have been a bit off. “Hopefully we can get all the parts clicking sooner rather than later as we don’t want to be behind the eight ball heading into Christmas.”
On Saturday, the Dragons faced a new challenge as they faced Broadford for the first time ever.
It was day one of the first two-dayer of the season.
Vernon said in the matches so far Broadford had shown it could hold its own in the top flight despite not getting the results.
After winning the toss at Gardiner Reserve, the Dragons made 251 as they were bowled out in the 73rd over.
Vernon said it was a solid score, but they weren’t completely happy with the total.
“We should have had more,” he said. “We were 0-140 off and then got bowled out for 251.
“We needed to bat out the 80 overs.”
Riley Vernon has continued on from where he left off last season, making 95 on Saturday.
Spencer Jones, who was promoted to open the batting, made 69.
“Riley is batting really well,” Jarryd said. “He has started the year well.
“Spencer James opened and they had a great partnership, but we needed some other guys to contribute.
“Spencer opening is something we will look at. We have a couple of players missing with injury.
“We’ll play it by ear, but if he keeps getting runs he’ll stay up there.”
Broadford survived three overs late on day one, finishing 0-2.
Vernon said it would be a good test for them with the ball on day two.
In other matches, Rupertswood has set Romsey a competitive total.
Rupo, without captain-coach Matt Twentyman, made 228 as it was bowled out in the 75th over.
Max Howell top scored with 60. Taylor Stevenson took 5-61 for the Redbacks.
The Redbacks will resume at 0-8.
Macedon is in trouble against the Sunbury Kangaroos.
The Kangaroos made 9-250. The decision to declare was the right one, as the Cats slumped to 2-6.
Graeme Bennett top scored for the Kangaroos with 76. Cameron Howlett took three wickets for the Cats.
Woodend had a good day with the bat against Sunbury United, making 8-349.
Skipper Marcus Stewart made 120 at the top of the order.
