It was fourth time lucky for Diggers Rest Bulla after finally winning the toss and taking the chance to bat first in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup.
The Burras batted second in the first three rounds, managing no more than 162 in any of their innings.
On Saturday against Romsey they made 217.
Burras’ coach Kevin Barker said it was nice to get some runs on the board.
“The boys were starting to give it to Rhys [Berry] about not being able to win a toss,” he said.
“It’s a good score on that ground as they’ve had a few problems with how it’s been mown.
“There was a lot of grass clippings and it was really slow. On that surface, the score is worth more like 260.” Barker led the way for the Burras, making 79. “It’s been a pretty lean start to the season. I was super-happy to get a good knock.”
Mark Jackson chipped in with 48.
The score puts the Burras in a good spot to get a third win from the first four rounds.
In the previous two matches they restricted Sunbury United and Woodend to fewer than 100.
“If we bowl and field well, I’m confident we can get the win.”
Barker said the competition was set to be tighter than in recent years.
“There’s normally four or five sides fighting for finals,” Barker said.
“This year, there could be six or seven teams fighting for finals spots.
“Getting wins early in the season is very important, especially with the calibre of sides in the competition.” Barker said the players had taken the step from B-grade to McIntyre Cup in their stride.
“It’s a really tight bunch of guys at the moment, a team that’s gelled well.
“Every wicket, run and game is important to everyone.”
Barker said he was settling well into the club in his first season at the helm.
“I’ve been lucky; there are guys I’m playing with who I’ve known since I was five.
“I was prepared for the adjustment, coming from sub-district cricket to hard wickets,” he said.
“I’m lucky that I played 10-15 years on hard wicket.”
Elsewhere, Sunbury United needs 233 for victory against Bacchus Marsh; Gisborne is 1-6 chasing Sunbury’s 9-152; and Riddell made 198 against Woodend.
