East Sunbury has enjoyed a day out with the bat against Gisborne in Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s B grade.
Coming off a tie in the opening round, East Sunbury enjoyed the conditions at home against Gisborne.
The Thunder started well and built partnerships throughout the innings – very pleasing for captain-coach Jessy Carroll.
The Thunder was bowled out for 339 in the third last over.
“All the boys contributed and we didn’t really rely on one person,” Carroll said.
“We were missing our opening batsman [Shannon McDorman] and first drop [Brayden Jinks] and we had to reshuffle a few players. We had younger players step up.”
Liam Sherlock was the star at the top of the order, making quick runs before being run out for 99.
Lachlan Brne (87no) and Jaxon Mobilio (44) finished the job by pushing the score beyond 300.
Two of the younger players in the side, they both produced their top scores.
Carroll said that was a pleasing sign for the future of the club.
“We looked liked we would make high 200s, but then they got going,” he said.
“I got to see them bat properly together for once.
“It gives you confidence that if we are in trouble they can stand up.”
Carroll said this season the club expected much of its improvement in the side to come from within the playing group. The Thunder missed finals last season.
“We’ve got the same core group as last year,” he said.
“We’ve picked up a couple of players who have left and come back.
“Brayden Jinks turned up just before the start of the season. He’s played a lot a turf cricket.
“We’re going to give the younger guys a bit more of an opportunity. They’ve grown up a bit more.”
It was a batsman’s weekend in B grade, with the Thunder one of three sides posting scores in excess of 330 as players made the most of the perfect conditions.
Hayden Castle, who owns the record for the highest score in the McIntyre Cup, had a big day for Eynesbury against Ashfield.
Castle made 186 in the Eagles’ score of 7-394. Ashfield will resume at 0-16.
Despite posting nearly 400, the Eynesbury score was nowhere near the highest score of the weekend.
Wallan took that honour by making 8-483 against Bacchus Marsh.
The Magpies went at better a run a ball for their 75 overs, with four batsmen making 60 or more.
While there were some big scores on the cards, Macedon and Kyneton are in a much closer fight.
Oliver Clough (44) and Pat Trotta (39) put on 87 for the Macedon opening partnership and they looked set for a big score. But the wicket of Trotta started a collapse for Macedon, which went from 0-87 to all out for 122.
Kyneton will resume at 5-48. Clough has three of Macedon’s wickets.
In the other match, Riddell made 7-223 against St Anthonys. Skipper Heath Brown top scored with 60.
