The top-of-the-table clash between St Anthonys and Rupertswood came down to the final ball on Saturday.
Rupertswood, with captain-coach John Lane and Aaron Forward at the crease, needed two runs for a win or one for a draw in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association B-grade clash.
No run or a wicket would see St Anthonys maintain its unbeaten start to the season.
In the end, luck favoured St Anthonys, with Rupertswood all out for 165 in reply to 8-166.
Lane said his batting partner, No.11 Forward – who has a double century at lower levels to his credit – was on strike.
“He got bat on ball and we ran,” he said. “I was halfway down the wicket when the bowler let the ball go. It went straight to a fieldsman and it was a direct-hit run-out.”
Lane, who top-scored with 35 not out, said both teams had chances to turn the game in their favour. “We had a bit of luck go our way earlier on when they dropped a couple of simple catches,” he said.
“We let them get too many runs with a few loose overs while bowling.
“We also batted a bit slowly between the 10th and 20th overs.”
St Anthonys’ win gives it a 14-point lead at the top of the ladder.
Despite the loss, Rupertswood remains second.
“It puts us back in the mix with other clubs,” Lane said.
“St Anthonys has a very strong batting line-up and a solid bowling group. We play them again in a two-dayer.
“Unless we get an outright win or they lose a couple of matches, which I can’t see happening, they will finish on top. It would be ideal to finish second and get that home final.”
Lane said his side wasn’t far off being where it would like to be.
“We only lost by one run today against the top side.
“The top order needs to take the innings by the scruff of the neck a bit more. We need to put the bowling team under a bit more pressure.
“We’re a bit of an older side and a bit more experienced, which will hopefully help come finals.”
The coach said the development of Lachlan McLean had been pleasing.
“Lachlan has come along with his cricket like you wouldn’t believe,” he said.
“The aim was to bat him and me with the tail, but he’s too good to bat so low in the order. I’m batting him at six now but he could still move up to number five.
“He’s put us in a winning position a number of times this season.”
In other matches, Bacchus Marsh defeated East Sunbury, Wallan was too good for Lancefield, and Macedon shocked Ashfield.
