Macedon’s start to the season hasn’t gone to script in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s B-grade competition.
With just one win after the opening five rounds, Macedon finds itself on the bottom of the ladder, its finals dreams teetering on the brink.
Macedon captain-coach Gary De Rosayro said the season’s start hadn’t gone to plan.
“We’ve been missing a few of our senior guys and a few of our players are in their first year of senior cricket,” he said.
“We’ve been relying on four to five players to do the job, which we can’t afford to do.
“In every game, we’ve been either good with the bat or ball. We’ve been a bit lacklustre, myself included, but have been competitive in every match, except against Wallan.”
De Rosayro said the return of players and the closeness of the competition meant finals hopes were still alive.
Only nine points separate Macedon and fourth-placed Bacchus Marsh, while Macedon was one of four clubs with just one win entering round six.
“The aim is there to win and get back into McIntyre [Cup],” De Rosayro said. “Obviously it will be hard to get there, but the fixture is in our favour. We’ll have a lot of players returning and, hopefully, that will help the team.”
Macedon will have to wait at least another week to get close to its full side. Several key players are missing the current match against Rupertswood.
On day one, Macedon batted first, making 183. The team’s number nine, Nathan Aikman top-scored with 62. Rupertswood was 0-48 at stumps in reply.
De Rosayro said having players missing did have some benefits, with Eamon Cooper and Zak Watkins getting a chance to play in the top side.
Cooper has already taken a double hat-trick in the T20 competition.
Elsewhere, Lancefield was skittled for 139 against East Sunbury. With 48, Lancefield skipper Luke Barker was the only batsman to build an innings.
Ashfield is in control against Bacchus Marsh, bowling them out for 109. Simon Barry was the destroyer, taking 5-19. Ashfield is on its way to victory at 0-57 in reply.
In the top-of-the-table clash, Wallan made 9-282 against St Anthonys.
