By Tara Murray
East Sunbury continued its hot start to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield.
The Thunder is proving to be the team to beat early in the season and has yet to be troubled in their three completed matches.
The only thing stopping them from a perfect season so far was a washout in round two, in which they settled for a draw.
On Saturday, the Thunder accounted for the Sunbury Kangaroos.
The Kangaroos started well and got to 0-67 before the Thunder started to hold them up.
The Kangaroos went on to make 6-132 from their 40 overs. Skipper Corey Woolley top scored with 51 at the top of the order.
Thunder skipper Lance Watts said they had aimed to bowl first, knowing what inclement weather could be coming.
He said that was the best way to control the game.
The bowlers have done the job on each occasion for the Thunder, restricting the opposition to low totals.
“They are bowling well in partnerships,” Watts said.
“Just the way they’ve gone about it, they are doing the things I’ve asked of them.
“They are bowling in the right areas and not just bowling quickly.
“I’ve only used my five main bowlers.”
On Saturday, Steve Grey took three wickets, to take his season total to six.
The Thunder innings didn’t get off to the best start with Grey falling for five.
PHOTO GALLERY: Sunbury Kangaroos vs East Sunbury
From there Watts and Shannon McDorman took control, as the Thunder stormed home to 1-137 with seven overs remaining.
Watts finished with an unbeaten 80, while McDorman made his first half century of the season, finishing 52 not out.
Watts said having some experience at the top of the order meant they could set a good base.
“It’s part of the reason they got me and Steve to the club,” he said.
“To just help manage run chases and the way we’ve been doing it has been good.
“It’s a bit unfortunate others haven’t had to bat, but it’s good at the same time.”
Nathan Anderson took the wicket for the Kangaroos.
The win has the Thunder sitting on top of the ladder.
Watts said they were looking forward to getting into the two-day format in a couple of weeks.
“I think we will play better cricket in the two-dayers,” he said.
“I was hoping to pinch a couple of wins in the one-dayers that would help with the two-dayers.”
Watts said they would be disappointed if they didn’t make finals this year.
The skipper, who came across from Sunbury United in the off season said he had found things different at East Sunbury.
“Sunbury United is a big club and East Sunbury is a smaller unit at the moment,” he said. “There’s a great bunch of blokes and a great committee. [Coach] Liam Sherlock is there, Steve and Shannon are a few of the older guys that have been good.”
In other results, Wallan easily defeated Macedon.
Bacchus Marsh made 6-235 before restricting Sunbury United to 6-132.
Rupertswood was 0-20 before play was called off against Gisborne.
