East Sunbury has been in the mix most games this Gisborne and District Cricket Association B-grade season.
But the contest hasn’t been on the Thunder’s terms, and it’s lost many of these games.
On Saturday, players struggled early against St Anthonys before finding their groove. Thunder now enters day two of the match in control and hopeful of a third win.
Acting skipper Keith Osborne said the most pleasing aspect after day one was that they’re in control of the game.
“We’ve been in most games this season but were not getting the results,” he said. “We make a lot of immature mistakes … you get that when you have a young side.
“We’re learning and, hopefully, two to three years down the track, we’ll be really competitive to push up in the McIntyre Cup.”
On Saturday, St Anthonys started well and were 0-89, on track for a big score. But once the Thunder got one wicket, they kept falling, and the Saints were bowled out for 161.
Lachlan Wilkins took 5-31, with Osborne full of praise for him, Jake Calleja and Jack Dillon.
“Jake bowled a really good spell, which was required to get us back into the game,” he said.
“Jack backed him up, taking two vital wickets when we were looking down the barrel at 0-89.
“Lachie is a young leg spinner and he showed his class. It’s a tough art and you can get belted some days. He’s one of the best leg spinners in the competition when he gets it right.”
The Thunder survived 11 overs with the bat and resumes at 0-22. Liam Sherlock continues at 11 not out, while Mark Hourigan, who was promoted up the order, will resume on 10.
Osborne said Hourigan, a former captain-coach, put up his hand to open the batting in the absence of Shannon McDorman. Lachlan Brne is also missing.
“He brings some experience and settles the nerves,” he said. “He took leadership and will go out and face a decent attack, and protect the younger players.”
A win would keep the Thunder in touch with the top four, but Osborne said it was about taking it one game at a time.
“At the start of the year, we wanted to finish higher than last season … I think we’ve done that.”
In other results, Lancefield has already claimed first innings points against Macedon, bowled out for 40 with Matthew Bowden taking 8-16. In reply, the Tigers declared at 5-96. Macedon is 2-18 in its second innings.
It was a second straight century for Sunbury United skipper Steve Grey, who made 104 in United’s total of 8-313.
