Six months can make a big difference in cricket, as Sunbury and Sunbury United are learning.
Last season’s Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup grand finalists are both winless after three matches in 2015-16.
On Saturday, both teams needed a miracle to pull off wins.
Romsey had already taken first innings points against Sunbury and was on the hunt for outright points. Romsey declared at 8-213 to hold a 127-run first innings lead.
Sunbury captain Jason McGann ensured his side wouldn’t be dismissed cheaply a second time, contributing 99 to the second innings of 3-179.
United needed quick wickets against Diggers Rest Bulla, but it wasn’t to be. Led by captain Rhys Berry, the Burras passed United’s total of 96 with six wickets down.
Berry top-scored with 31 in the Burras’ 162. United finished its second innings at 4-56.
Riddell remains the only unbeaten side in the top grade after easily accounting for Gisborne.
Needing only 130 for the win, Riddell hit the winning runs with five wickets down. It finished at 172 in the final over, Elliott Artings top-scoring with 33.
In the other match, Woodend defeated Bacchus Marsh. Resuming at 3-42, Woodend still needed 109 for victory.
Daniel Heaney guided his team past the total, before falling for 77. Woodend was bowled out for 167, Bacchus Marsh finishing its second innings at 3-78.
Rupertswood, East Sunbury and St Anthonys were winners in B-grade.
