By Tara Murray
Sunbury finally got a taste of red ball cricket in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 Russell Pollock Shield.
Having not played a two-day game so far this season due to rain, the Roar were more than ready to face Jacana on Saturday.
It was a mixed day for the Roar, but they put a competitive total on the board.
Roar captain-coach Craig Ballinger said it was good just to be out on the pitch.
“It’s nice to finally be playing some red ball cricket,” he said.
“It’s been a frustrating introduction into the VTCA, there’s been a lot of challenges and we’ve only played one-day cricket so far.
“We’re more of a two-day side.”
Sunbury won the toss and elected to bat. It lost a few early wickets, but still had some contributions to tick the scoreboard over.
Jason McGann did what he has done on a number of occasions, coming in and making some late runs.
He made 71 as Sunbury was bowled out for 186. Ballinger said the innings from McGann was what they have come to expect of him.
PHOTO GALLERY: Jacana vs Sunbury
“Jacana bowled well and were able to draw a few false shots,” he said.
“The knock was set up by the guys at the top. Jason knuckled down and showed patience and grit.
“He’s been doing it year after year. He showed up and delivered.” Ballinger said with both sides very similar, the score was defendable.
Jacana will resume at 0-25 after getting through 12 overs unscathed. “We tried a few things,” Ballinger said.
“We would have liked to have a wicket or two. They are still 160 short, so hopefully we can get a few early wickets.”
The Roar got their second win of the season earlier in the week, winning their opening T20 match against Sanctuary Lakes.
Sanctuary Lakes made 8-124 from its overs, with Jason McGowan taking two wickets. Sunbury made easy work of the total, finishing 0-128 off 10.1 overs.
Dylan Landt finished 78 not out and Justin Nelson 43 not out. Ballinger said it was good to see them play some good cricket after the interrupted start to the season.
He said the competition was still a little bit unknown, having moved across from the Gisborne and District Cricket Association.
They will have a busy few weeks ahead of them with a number of catch-up games.
“I think we have got about six games in two weeks, which is a big period.”
Meanwhile, Sunbury’s women’s side lost to Keilor The Roar made 8-84, with Keilor making 7-94 in reply.
