Riddell is in a familiar situation as Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup approaches the Christmas break.
This time last year, Riddell was sitting on top of the ladder but lost for the first time in the second-last match before the break. It then struggled for consistency and ultimately was knocked out in the finals.
A year later, history has repeated, with Riddell losing its first game of the season in the second-last match before Christmas, this time against Romsey at Riddell Reserve on Saturday.
Speaking before the game, Riddell captain- coach Heath Wadden said his players were well aware of what they needed to do.
“We can’t get complacent and let arrogance come into the side,” Wadden said.
“It can turn so quickly, so we have to make sure we train and play the way we have to. We’ve learnt a lot from last year. Some of the guys weren’t here then and we now have more depth for players to go up and down.”
Riddell was bowled out for 124 on Saturday, well short of the 183 needed for victory against Romsey.
After losing both openers with the total on one, Riddell struggled to get a solid partnership going although a number of players made reasonable starts.
Hayden Ross top-scored with 32.
But it wasn’t all bad news for Riddell, which won the GDCA’s premier division T20 title last week.
The grand final against Sunbury United on Tuesday night came down to the final over.
For much of the night Riddell looked to have control, but United kept bouncing back.
United batted first and made 9-132 after some late hitting from James Hughes (23 not out).
Wadden said the key to restricting United was grabbing the key wicket of opener Ryan Billinghurst, who made 37.
“We bowled tight early on and Ryan was the one we need to get out,” Wadden said.
“Once we got a couple of quick wickets, including him, we were on track.
“They then got some late runs to push up the score.”
Riddell was cruising at 2-72 at the halfway mark of its innings.
“Cameron Moran had knuckled down and he did the job,” Wadden said.
“We got a good start then flat-lined so that we needed eight to nine runs an over towards the end.”
Wadden (18) hit the winning runs with three balls remaining, Riddell finishing at 7-133.
“I wasn’t out there for long and once I got one for six it got us going again,” Wadden said. “Matt Livingstone and I just hit the ball around to get the runs.”
