Gisborne produced its best form of the season against Riddell to take first innings points on day one of their Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup match.
The opening spells of acting captain Jay King and Darcy Nolan destroyed the Bombers’ top order, leaving them scrambling at 6-26.
A mid-order fightback by Matthew Darby (39) and Cameron Moran (42) was short-lived, and once Darby went the Bombers quickly succumbed for a modest 117, appearing set for another loss.
Dragons coach Simon Harman said the first hour of play was their best all season.
“It was as good as it could get.
“The rub of the green went our way, with edges going to hand and the catches taken.
“We let them off the hook a little with the partnership in mid-innings, which was disappointing, but if you asked me at the start of the day, we would have taken 117.”
Nolan finished with four wickets, Clinton Young with three and King with two.
Keen to wrap up first innings points on day one, the Dragons struggled early, slipping to 3-21 before recovering to 4-134 at stumps.
“Riddell’s bowlers didn’t get their tails up [after getting early wickets],” Harman said.
“A couple of young guys in the middle order batted with steel to get us back on track.”
Jason Wilson made 45, while Jakson Knight will resume on 66 not out.
Harman said they would look at batting for as long as possible on day two to deny the Bombers any chance of an outright result.
“Our batsmen from five down haven’t had a lot of time in the middle so it’ll be good for them to have that time.
“We’ll be happy to leave them not many overs to bat twice.”
Saturday’s performance was a return to form for the Dragons, who lost their previous two matches.
The side has had several changes each week due to players’ unavailability.
“Looking forward, we’ll be closer to our full side,” the coach said. “Anyone on any day can beat anyone. We’re just trying to make finals and go from there.”
It was a day for the bowlers in the McIntyre Cup with only one side posting a score above 160.
A 91 from Woodend’s Warren Else set up his side’s 9-286 against Rupertswood.
Sunbury is in trouble at 4-43 chasing Romsey’s 139, while Bacchus Marsh is 1-18 against Diggers Rest Bulla.
