It was a tough day for East Sunbury on and off the cricket pitch on Saturday.
While the Thunder fell short against Rupertswood in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield District Firsts, that was quickly thrust to the back of their minds when news came through that former captain-coach Jessy Carroll had died.
Carroll’s battle with cancer was well publicised, with not just the Thunder but the local community getting behind him and his family.
Thunder coach Ron Mannion said it was a tough time for the club.
It was through Carroll’s illness that Mannion became involved at the club.
“I appreciate what he did for me, as much as what I did for him,” he said.
“He was an inspiration.”
Mannion said for many of the playing group, their minds had been on Carroll during the game against Rupertswood.
Rupo had made 252 on day one of the match. They were able to bowl the Thunder out for 129.
Alec Boorsma top scored for the Thunder with 34.
Mannion said it wasn’t all bad news.
“We just got bogged down a little bit,” he said.
“It did give the young kids the chance to get a decent hit.
“Alec has just turned 18, Shoey [Luke Shoesmith] is 17 and Evan [Wilkins] is just 17 and batted for quite a while.
“We had been hoping to bat the overs out. It’s the first time we haven’t been able to do that.”
Fifteen year-old Blake Watson also made his debut, contributing with two wickets on day one before spending a bit of time at the crease on Saturday.
Mannion said the young players were starting to build a strong future.
“Without Keith [Osborne] the average age on Saturday was about 21.
“These guys are the future of the club.”
For Rupo, captain-coach Andrew Pizaro was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4-18 off 20 overs.
In other matches, Bacchus Marsh proved no match for Ashfield.
Ashfield had made 127 on day one, with the Bulls passing that score with ease on Saturday. They made 9-332.
Riddell suffered its first loss of the season, losing to St Anthonys.
Needing 268 for victory, Riddell was bowled out for 201. Michael Sammut top scored with 49 for the Bombers with Robert Strugnell taking six wickets for St Anthonys.
St Anthonys moves back to the top of the ladder, with 0.57 of a point separating them, Rupertswood and Riddell.
Gisborne defeated Eynesbury Eagles in the other match. Gisborne made 6-183 in reply to the Eagles 175.
MORE VTCA NEWS
http://www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunbury-on-a-winning-path/
http://www.starweekly.com.au/sports/malmsbury-sets-the-pace/
