By Tara Murray
Riddell has sealed a Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield District Firsts finals berth with a thrilling win against Ashfield.
A lot was on the line for both sides, with Ashfield trying to stay in touch with the top four heading into the final round.
It was Riddell, the home team, that came away with the points after winning by eight runs.
Bombers president and first XI player David King said it was an important victory.
The Bombers were defending 168 after not performing as well as they would have liked on day one.
Ashfield looked in control after day one and resumed at 1-37, before being bowled out for 160.
King said that not for the first time the Bombers’ bowlers stood up.
“We bowled really well and tight and ended up getting wickets,” King said. “It got tight in the end.”
Heath Brown was a marathon man for the Bombers, taking 4-63 off 31 overs that included 11 maidens.
King said Matthew Lloyd also bowled well to take two wickets, while King took three himself. Jason King top scored for Ashfield with 33 not out.
Photo Gallery: Riddell vs Ashfield
The Bombers are third on 80.95 points, just under four points behind top side Rupertswood – meaning a top-two spot and home final is still a possibility for the Bombers.
King said to even make finals this season had been a success.
The Bombers dropped a division for this season after losing a big chunk of its senior playing group.
“We haven’t batted well and made huge scores this season, but our bowling has been able to restrict the opposition and get wickets,” King said.
Captain Daniel Fisk, who missed the game, is expected to return for this week’s game against bottom-placed Eynesbury Eagles.
In a bonus for the Bombers, Ben Radford is expected to be available for finals.
Rupertswood is in prime position to finish on top after beating St Anthonys.
In the battle between the top two sides, Rupo scored an 11-run win.
The Saints resumed at 0-10 in reply to Rupo’s 199, but fell just short, bowled out for 188.
Bacchus Marsh all but sealed its finals spot with a huge win against the Eynesbury Eagles.
Having made 9-232, the Bulls bowled the Eagles out for 52.
The Eagles hit 4-92 in their second innings.
East Sunbury got home against Gisborne.
Needing 183 for victory, the Thunder finished 7-184, Brandon Nicholls top scoring with 55.
The win moves the Thunder above Gisborne on the ladder.
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