Lancefield proved no match for Bacchus Marsh in their Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup match. But the Tigers showed some encouraging signs.
Needing 346 for the win after a strong batting performance by the Bulls the previous week, the Tigers needed to take hold of the Bacchus Marsh bowling attack – something no team has been able to do this season.
The Tigers battled before being bowled out for 150. Ryan Millar top-scored for the Tigers with 26, with playing coach Luke Barker making 25.
Barker said that while the loss was disappointing, the players would take positives from the game.
“It was always going to be tough chasing 350,” he said. “At this stage, making that is out of our reach.
“We batted for 60 overs and scored the highest score against them this season.
“We looked like we would be bowled out at 4pm, but managed to bat until after five. We also got three late wickets.
“They’re the benchmark of the competition and they are on top for a reason.”
Barker said it was the first time this season the Tigers had felt the gap between playing B grade and McIntyre Cup, having been promoted in the off season.
He said his side was sitting about where he thought it would be.
“It’s all been very positive from the boys,” he said. “A few boys have acquitted themselves well and we had chances to win the first couple of games.”
After Christmas, the Tigers will face Romsey and Sunbury twice each, Rupertswood and Diggers Rest Bulla.
“They are all winnable games and if we could win at least another three games it would be a good result,” Barker said. “We want to stay out of the relegation zone.”
The standout for the Tigers so far this season has been Matthew Bowden, who is the competition’s leading wicket taker.
Barker said it was no surprise to him that Bowden had adjusted well to playing McIntyre Cup.
The job doesn’t get any easier for the Tigers, who this week face second-placed Riddell and then third-placed Woodend.
Barker said the Tigers were excited about challenging themselves against the top sides.
Riddell joins Bacchus Marsh in remaining undefeated after a strong batting performance against Rupertswood.
The Bombers had a day out with the bat, making a club record 8-481. Matt Day smashed 173, while Craig Ballinger made 115. Matthew Livingstone made a quick-fire 70 not out.
Sunbury captain-coach Dylan Wright guided his side to victory against Romsey. Wright made 158 in Sunbury’s total of 6-277, in reply to Romsey’s 9-275.
Jarryd Vernon hit a massive 176 as Gisborne chased down Sunbury United’s 9-304. The Dragons finished 7-305.
Woodend got the win against Diggers Rest Bulla. After no play on day one, Woodend made 7-267, with skipper Michael Nalesnyik making 80. The Burras were bowled out for 218.
