Gisborne’s bowlers have done the job for a second week in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup, and now it’s up to the batsmen to finish it off.
The Dragons got their premiership defence off to a disappointing start in round one when they failed with the bat, letting Diggers Rest Bulla off the hook.
With a point to prove, the Dragons’ bowlers came out firing against Lancefield on Saturday.
The Dragons kept the Tigers to 169 on what was a high-scoring day in other matches.
Dragons coach Glenn Waites said it was another strong performance with the ball.
Skipper Jarryd Vernon was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets.
Vernon is set to bowl a few more overs this season, after taking the gloves for the second part of last season. He has already bowled more overs in two games than he did for last season.
“He’s a pretty gifted cricketer and last year he took the gloves and kept well,” Waites said.
“A few years prior he took 30 wickets in a season. With Roby Lane going to premier cricket, we needed another spinner and they don’t grow on trees.”
Ryan Millar top scored for the Tigers with 29.
Despite being happy with the bowling, Waites was left slightly disappointed with how the day finished. Facing 45 minutes at the end of the day, the Dragons were 2-40 at stumps to leave the game in the balance.
Waites said they would need to bat well to win.
“We would have loved to have been none down at stumps,” he said.
“Last week we didn’t do ourselves any favours. Our application wasn’t right.
“We’re confident we can chase the runs down if we bat well.”
Darren Ward (27 not out) and Vernon (three not out) will resume on day two.
Waites, in his first season as coach, said the club had a positive pre-season.
“It’s not just about one year, it’s about the long-term development of the club,” he said.
“We’ve still got a few blokes to come back in and strengthen all the grades.”
In other results, Bacchus Marsh has already claimed first innings points against Diggers Rest Bulla. The Burras were bowled out for 76, with the Bulls 2-81 at stumps.
Riddell made 9-295 on the back of 118 to Haydn Ross against Sunbury. It’s Ross’s first century for the Bombers.
Sunbury United posted 8-297 against Rupertswood, while Romsey skipper Ben Way made 128 in his side’s total of 272 against Woodend.
